Glassy Matrices: Synthesis and Long-Term Behavior

This course covers various aspects related to the synthesis, characterization, and long-term behavior of glass matrices. The first topic, concerning the methodology for studying the long-term behavior of glass matrices under aging conditions, will be explored in detail, with particular emphasis on the initial characteristics of the materials, the key phenomena governing their behavior, and the appropriate predictive models. Subsequently, the phenomena of leaching and radiation-induced aging of glass materials will be discussed. These concepts will be illustrated through a case study on the long-term behavior of nuclear glasses.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 12:00 p.m.

            TD: 8:00 a.m.

The objective of this course is to understand the methodology used to predict the behavior of nuclear glass in the context of long-term disposal of high-level, long-lived radioactive waste, and to acquire the knowledge necessary to understand the solid-liquid interface and its evolution under geological disposal conditions.

Basics of Radioactivity

The Fuel Cycle: From Mine to Waste Management

Ongoing Assessment

Methodology for Studying Long-Term Behavior 

• Initial material properties; characteristics and evolution of geological storage (thermal, hydraulic, mechanical, and chemical)
• Key phenomena governing the behavior of materials
• Predictive Modeling and Validation
• Leaching of glassy materials:
• Types of Weathering
• Solid-solution interface (double layer and surface charges; adsorption, hydrolysis, condensation, and precipitation phenomena)
• Dissolution kinetics, controlled by the chemical reaction
  • Reaction rate, reaction orders, rate constant, and activation energy; solubility product and thermodynamic equilibrium
  • Transition State Theory. General Law of Mineral Dissolution
  • Experimental setups for studying dissolution
• Transport at Interfaces (Diffusion of Aqueous Species, Porous Media)
• Nature and Role of Weathering Products (gel, secondary mineral phases)
• Effect of key storage parameters on kinetics: temperature, solution composition, surrounding materials, etc. Mechanisms of catalysis, inhibition, and adsorption
• Aging of Glass Materials Under Self-Irradiation
• Case Studies: Long-Term Behavior of Nuclear Glasses Under Geological Storage Conditions:
• Building an Envelope Model
• Application to R7T7 glass stored in clay-rich soil
• Validation criteria: natural and archaeological analogues

Administrative contact(s): Chemistry Master's Program Office

Master's in Chemistry @ umontpellier.fr