Development and testing of SYNROC for high level radioactive waste fixation

Research and development on the SYNROC concept for high level radioactive waste fixation commenced at the Australian Atomic Energy Commission Research Establishment, Lucas Heights, in March 1979, in collaboration with a complementary program at The Australian National University (ANU). The present paper reports progress in the project's second year and reviews its current status. An inactive 30 kg-scale SYNROC fabrication line incorporating in-can hot pressing as the fabrication step has been built for operation in mid-1981. Atmospheric pressure and hydrothermal leach tests are demonstrating the excellent leach resistance of SYNROC. Accelerated radiation damage tests using fast neutrons are simulating damage in SYNROC for periods of close to 10/sup 6/ years. In supporting research, mineral phase development, impact friability and thermophysical properties of SYNROC are being studied. 21 refs.