ABSTRACT
Abstract The performance lifetime of cements intended for chemical conditioning of nuclear wastes is limited by internal and external degradation. Internal degradation occurs by interaction with waste components; external degradation, mainly by reaction with ground water constituents. Much knowledge has been accumulated about attack mechanisms but less is known about their kinetics. A combination of practical experience, testing and theoretical calculations, using computer-based solubility models, are suggested as the best way to obtain validated lifetime-performance predictions.
