A Review of Radiation Effects in Solid Nuclear Waste Forms

The major source of radiation effects in solid nuclear waste forms is from the alpha decay of the actinide elements. These radiation effects have generally been investigated by doping simulated waste forms with short-lived actinides. Although measurable changes in volume, stored energy, and microstructure occur, no significant changes in leach rate or mechanical properties are observed. The changes in volume and stored energy of solid nuclear waste forms follow an exponential dependence on dose, exhibiting saturation effects at a dose of ∼5 × 10²⁴ alpha decay/m³.