Glass-Ceramics: Damaging Bubble Formation

开发安全固定放射性核废料的改进方法在世界各地都是一个挑战。有许多基于玻璃和陶瓷的选择，每种选择都有优缺点，对阿尔法衰变造成的辐射损害的影响表现不同。该项目结合了英国和印度的专业知识和人才，开发了能够安全存储核废料的下一代材料，使用微晶玻璃。微晶玻璃被定义为分布在玻璃基质中的陶瓷颗粒，类似于放置在巧克力中的水果/坚果。该项目将研究模型成分和辐射损伤的影响，从阿尔法衰变到材料中氦气泡的形成，一直到现实生活中的系统。例如，一个需要回答的关键问题是，陶瓷颗粒和玻璃基质之间的界面是否作为气泡形成的位置，并作为一个应力点，进而引发裂纹的形成。同样重要的是，随着时间的推移，界面的行为如何，它是保持尖锐还是开始变软，这本身就会影响材料的长期稳定性。这种影响将在较长时间内对机械性能产生深远影响。这项工作的成果将扩大微晶玻璃的适用性，并将其应用扩展到其他领域，同时扩大印度和英国在未来发展核废料储存方面的合作。

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.