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Oxidation of Candutm Fuel by the Products of the Alpha Radiolysis of Groundwater

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

S. Sunder ,
D.W. Shoesmith ,
L.H. Johnson ,
G.J. Wallace ,
M.G. Bailey  and
A.P. Snaglewski
S. Sunder
Affiliation:
Geochemistry and Waste Immobilization Division, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment, Pinawa, Manitoba, Canada ROE 1LO
D.W. Shoesmith
Affiliation:
Geochemistry and Waste Immobilization Division, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment, Pinawa, Manitoba, Canada ROE 1LO
L.H. Johnson
Affiliation:
Geochemistry and Waste Immobilization Division, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment, Pinawa, Manitoba, Canada ROE 1LO
G.J. Wallace
Affiliation:
Geochemistry and Waste Immobilization Division, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment, Pinawa, Manitoba, Canada ROE 1LO
M.G. Bailey
Affiliation:
Geochemistry and Waste Immobilization Division, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment, Pinawa, Manitoba, Canada ROE 1LO
A.P. Snaglewski
Affiliation:
Geochemistry and Waste Immobilization Division, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment, Pinawa, Manitoba, Canada ROE 1LO
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Abstract

The oxidation of CANDUTM fuel by the products of alpha radiolysis of water is being investigated using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and electrochemical techniques. Possible mechanisms of oxidation of U02by 02 and H202, two of the oxidants formed during radiolysis of water, are discussed. Oxidation by H202depends upon its concentration and the pH of the solution. The oxidation of U02by the products of alpha radiolysis of water, formed by an alpha flux comparable with that expected at the used- fuel surface at the estimated time of waste container failure, caused very little dissolution of UO2fuel. The presence of reductants in groundwater reaching the fuel surface will diminish the fuel oxidation by the radiolysis products.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 84: Symposium L – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management X , 1986 , 103
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1987

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References

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