The Corrosion Behaviour of Copper Under Simulated Nuclear Fuel Waste Diposal Conditions

Abstract

In Canada, copper is being considered as a container material for the disposal of high-level nuclear fuel waste. To be able to predict the corrosion behaviour over long periods of time, it is necessary to know the corrosion mechanisms involved. Here, the results of preliminary short-term mechanistic experiments are discussed. The effects of dissolved oxygen, y-radiation, compacted buffer material and sulphide ions on uniform and pitting corrosion are considered.