Background

Both the U.S. and CNEA are also interested in the characterization and immobilization of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) returning from research reactors. During the 1980s, CNEA investigated the possibility of vitrification of SNF using glass compositions. From the early studies, it was determined that many of the glasses evaluated were satisfactory in comparison to the Environmental Assessment glass (the U.S. standard for High Level Waste (HLW)).

Activities

More recently, CNEA has begun reviewing cold press and sintering technology to produce a glassy ceramic waste form. The U.S. will continue to follow the development of these CNEA activities in hopes of applying lessons learned to the management of SNF in this country.