Synroc
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Synroc (a portmanteu from "Synthetic rock") is a possible means of safely storing and disposing of radioactive waste. It was invented in 1978 by Ted Ringwood at the Australian National University, with further research being undertaken in collaboration with ANSTO. Unlike borosilicate glass, which is amorphous, Synroc is a ceramic which incorporates the radioactive waste into its crystal structure. Although it has not yet experienced commercial use, in April of 2005, the process was chosen for a multimillion dollar "demonstration" contract to eliminate 5 tonnes of plutonium-contaminated waste at British Nuclear Fuel's Sellafield plant, on the northwest coast of England.
External links
- Nuclear Issues Briefing on Synroc (http://www.uic.com.au/nip21.htm)
- Canberra Observer report on 2005 contract (http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2005/04/22/2003251453)