Radioactive Waste Forms for the Future

This volume presents a compilation of important information on the full range of radioactive waste forms that have been developed, or at least suggested, for the incorporation of high-level nuclear waste. Many of the results were published in the ``gray literature'' of final reports of national laboratories or in various, generally less available, proceedings volumes. This is the first publication to draw information on nuclear waste forms for high-level wastes together into a single volume. Although borosilicate glass has become the standard waste form, additional research in this compound is still necessary. With improved technology (particularly processing technologies) and with a more detailed knowledge of repository conditions, glasses and second generation waste forms with improved performance properties can be developed. Sustained research programs on nuclear waste form development will yield results that can only add to public confidence and the final, safe disposal of nuclear waste. The aim of this volume is to provide a `spring board' for these future research efforts.
 
This volume presents a compilation of important information on the full range of radioactive waste forms that have been developed, or at least suggested, for the incorporation of high-level nuclear waste. Many of the results were published in the ``gray literature'' of final reports of national laboratories or in various, generally less available, proceedings volumes. This is the first publication to draw information on nuclear waste forms for high-level wastes together into a single volume. Although borosilicate glass has become the standard waste form, additional research in this compound is still necessary. With improved technology (particularly processing technologies) and with a more detailed knowledge of repository conditions, glasses and second generation waste forms with improved performance properties can be developed. Sustained research programs on nuclear waste form development will yield results that can only add to public confidence and the final, safe disposal of nuclear waste. The aim of this volume is to provide a `spring board' for these future research efforts.