Challenges in the Long-Term Behaviour of Highly Radioactive Materials

Dear Colleagues,

Highly radioactive materials are at the core in many useful applications ranging from operating nuclear reactors to vitrified highly radioactive waste that is currently stored and will be finally disposed of in deep geological formations. The crucial question in all applications concerns the behaviour of such materials in the conditions of intense self-irradiation combined with adverse and often highly corrosive environments. The stability and durability of highly radioactive materials are highly affected by both radiations, accumulated changes caused by irradiation, and adverse actions of the environment. Even small changes can gradually lead to structural and functional changes in material properties and cause their failure with time, particularly in the long-term. Irreversible transformations and accelerated corrosion have been already reported for highly radioactive crystalline and vitreous materials that are of practical importance in limiting waste form loading and safety assessment models. Therefore, the behaviour of highly radioactive materials presents a challenge to science and technology, particularly, when considering the durability and long-term stability of materials.

This Special Issue will analyse issues related to the behaviour of highly radioactive materials. It will focus on the assessment of effects resulting from self-irradiation on crystalline, vitreous and glass crystalline materials designed for nuclear waste disposal. It will also include analysis of highly radioactive materials which resulted from nuclear accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima.

This Special Issue will analyse challenging aspects of highly radioactive materials behaviour in systems and activities related to peaceful utilisation of nuclear energy. It aims to support environmentally safe and sustainable utilisation of nuclear energy assessing effects resulting from self-irradiation on crystalline, vitreous and glass crystalline materials used in nuclear applications including nuclear power reactor and waste immobilisation materials.

Papers selected for this Special Issue will be subject to a rigorous peer review procedure with the aim of their rapid and wide dissemination.

Prof. Dr. Michael Ojovan
Dr. Boris E. Burakov
Dr. Bella Y. Zubekhina
Guest Editors

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