Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
The high level nuclear waste load is likely to increase in the future containment glasses, rising new questions about their long-term chemical durability. In this study sodium borosilicate compositions with Si substituted for RE (RE = rare earth) are altered under static conditions at fixed pH (8.5). The Na and B leached fractions reached just after the rate drop increase with the RE2O3 content. Part of the RE ions remain in the altered layer which is significantly de-polymerised (IR-ATR and NMR results). Their environment is reorganized and adopts a more centrosymetrical character. The higher leached fractions are attributed to rapid hydrolysis of Si/B-O-RE bonds with respect to Si-O-Si bonds.