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Materials Testing Facility (MTF)
Experimental Concept

The concept of the MTF is based on discussions with Partners over the last three years, the MTF should offer:

  • Dedicated facilities for long-term experiments
  • Well defined, relevant conditions which remain stable for decades
  • Materials testing, individually or in combination
  • The potential to use radioactive tracers

The emphasis of the MTF would be on potential disturbances or degradation of the performance of the materials, with evaluation of the longevity and stability of the monitoring system playing a key factor.

The GTS already has considerable experience with monitoring systems. Practical experience in their set-up and installation, observation/continuous monitoring and their eventual recovery during post-mortem analysis has been gained in the GMT, FEBEX and HPF projects.

A range of tests could be carried out at the GTS:

Degradation tests:

  • Corrosion of metals (including steel and copper)
  • Dissolution of glass
  • Leaching of concrete

Testing of novel materials:

  • Cements (low pH, non-CSH, high density)
  • Grouts (resins, bentonite and clay)
  • Geopolymers
  • Ceramics
  • 129I/14C "traps"
  • High temperature tests of bentonite
  • Cement degradation

Material interaction tests:

  • Cements and bentonite
  • Corrision products and bentonite
  • Cement and high-level waste/spent fuel

Monitoring and sensor stability

 
Materials Testing Facility (MTF) Experiment  
 Phase VI Projects : CFM | LTD | T-H | NF-Pro | LCS | PSG | MTF
 Phase V Projects : CRR | EFP | FOM | FEBEX | GAM | GMT | HPF
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