Vitrification
Vitrification immobilizes high-level radioactive waste by melting it with glass formers into a stable borosilicate matrix. It reduces waste volume and leach rates for long-term storage.
The process heats waste with silica, boron, and oxides to 1,100-1,200°C, forming durable glass logs poured into steel canisters. Facilities like France's La Hague vitrify 1,200 m³/year. Glass withstands 500+ years without significant radionuclide release. Integral to reprocessing plants using PUREX.
Why it matters now
Vitrification is key for managing HLW from reprocessing as SMR deployments accelerate waste generation in 2025-2026. Bottlenecks in US facilities drive investor interest in waste tech amid reactor restarts.