A neutron diffraction study of the structural origins of anionic solubility in borosilicate simulated radioactive waste glasses

We will study the origins of the solubility of problematic anionic species (sulphate and chloride) in borosilicate glasses representative of real-world radioactive waste glasses. We will measure total scattering data for 12 glasses on GEM. Glasses will be prepared using 11B enriched B2O3 to keep neutron absorption at acceptable levels. Undoped, sulphate-doped and chloride-doped glasses will be studied. The results, used in combination with X-ray diffraction data, will help us to understand the effects of glass composition on the local environment of these troublesome anionic species in glasses that are truly representative of those used globally for radioactive waste immobilisation. Further value will be provided through using the data acquired for several of these glasses to guide and verify an EPSR model of complex radioactive waste borosilicate glass structure.