Glass-Ceramics: Damaging Bubble Formation

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Developing improving methods for the safe immobilisation of radioactive nuclear waste is a challenge the world over. There are many options which have been developed based on both glass and ceramics, each of which has advantages and disadvantages, and behaves differently to the effects of radiation damage from alpha decay. This project combines the expertise and talents within the UK and India to develop the next generation of materials capable of safely storing nuclear waste, using glass-ceramics. Glass-ceramics are defined as ceramic particles distributed within a glass matrix, similar to fruit/nut placed in chocolate.The project will address both model compositions and the effects of radiation damage, from alpha decay, and the formation of helium bubbles within the material, through to real life systems. For example one key question to answer is whether the interface between a ceramic particle and the glass matrix acts as a location where He bubbles can form and act as a stress point which in turn initiates crack formation. Of equal importance is how the interface behaves over time, does it remain sharp or begin to soften, which in itself will impact the long term stability of the material. Such an effect will have profound effect on the mechanical performance over extended periods of time. The results from this work will extend the applicability of glass-ceramics and extend their use into other areas, while at the same broaden collaboration between India and the UK in the development of nuclear waste storage for the future.