Containment of nuclear waste

摘要

Disclosed is a method of immobilizing nuclear waste in glass. A composition is prepared of about 30 to about 85% of a hydrolyzed glass-forming silicon compound, about 5 to about 30% of a glass-forming sodium compound, up to about 30% of a glass-forming aluminum compound, and about 5 to about 30% of a glass-forming boron, calcium, or magnesium compound. Up to an equal amount of nuclear waste is mixed into the composition and the mixture is heated at up to 500 DEG C. until dry. The mixture is then melted at 800 DEG to 1300 DEG C., and can be poured into ingots and cooled. The mixture can also be melted in situ with a laser.