FTIR spectra and properties of iron borophosphate glasses containing simulated nuclear wastes

• IBP wasteforms’ thermal properties are faintly affected by B2O3 doping modes.
• Distributions of PO43−, [P2O7] and [BO4] groups are optimal as 10B base glass used.
• [BO3], PO3− and [PO2] groups are very low in structure of the IBP wasteforms.
• The DR values of IBP wasteforms are about 10−8 g cm−2 min−1.

30 wt.% simulated nuclear wastes were successfully immobilized by B2O3-doped iron phosphate base glasses. The structure and thermal stability of the prepared wasteforms were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential thermal analysis, respectively. The subtle structural variations attributed to different B2O3 doping modes have been discussed in detail. The results show that the thermal stability and glass forming tendency of the iron borophosphate glass wasteforms are faintly affected by different B2O3 doping modes. The main structural networks of iron borophosphate glass wasteforms are PO43−, P2O74−, [BO4] groups. Furthermore, for the wasteform prepared by using 10B2O3–36Fe2O3–54P2O5 as base glass, the distributions of Fe–O–P bonds, [BO4], PO43− and P2O74− groups are optimal. In general, the dissolution rate (DR) values of the studied iron borophosphate wasteforms are about 10−8 g cm−2 min−1. The obtained conclusions can offer some useful information for the disposal of high-level radioactive wastes using boron contained phosphate glasses.