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Thesis
Home   /   Thesis   /   Effects of alpha decay on the alteration of nuclear glasses: simulation, understanding, and consideration in geochemical models

Effects of alpha decay on the alteration of nuclear glasses: simulation, understanding, and consideration in geochemical models

Chemistry Condensed matter physics, chemistry & nanosciences Ultra-divided matter, Physical sciences for materials

Abstract

This Ph-D at the CEA on the alteration of nuclear glass is central to the challenges of sustainable radioactive waste management. The doctoral student will acquire expertise in materials and modeling, paving the way for exciting careers in research, engineering, or the nuclear industry. In deep geological storage, contact with groundwater can cause glass alteration, which is the main source of radionuclide release. The CEA is developing a multi-scale model that needs to be adapted to take into account the effects of glass self-irradiation. The aim of the thesis is to identify the mechanisms modified by irradiation and to parameterize the model. The doctoral student will conduct controlled irradiation experiments on non-radioactive glasses and compare them to ²44Cm-doped active glass. The structural and physicochemical changes induced will be characterized using various techniques (Raman, IR, NMR, SEM, TEM, DSC, etc.). Targeted alteration tests will be used to observe the impact of the level of damage on the kinetics of alteration. The results will be used to adjust and validate the predictive model under conditions representative of geological storage. The work will be carried out both in an active environment (shielded cells) and in an inactive laboratory. An M2 internship is available on the same subject. Profile: M2 or materials engineer, physical chemistry.

Laboratory

Département de recherche sur les Procédés et Matériaux pour les Environnements complexes (ISEC)
Service d’Etudes des Matériaux et de l’Etanchéité
Laboratoire d’études des Matériaux et Procédés Actifs
Montpellier
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