Influence of the Composition and Structural Differences of Zirconium-Containing Sodium–Cesium Aluminoborosilicate Glasses on Their Heat and Water Resistance

The study deals with the effect exerted by adding various zirconium amounts on the heat resistance and chemical durability of aluminoborosilicate glass-containing host materials prepared by rapid cooling (quenching) of melts with different ratios of sodium and cesium. The specific features of the anionic structure of the glass-containing part of these materials were studied by vibrational spectroscopy. The Na/Cs ratio and zirconium additions influence the softening/glass transition point and the rate of dissolution of the major components on prolonged keeping in an aqueous medium. The results obtained are recommended for use in evaluation and correction of properties of borosilicate host materials for high-level waste immobilization.