Evaluating radiation-induced corrosion depths in copper canisters of varying thicknesses for KAERI reference disposal system

This study presents a model for evaluating radiation-induced corrosion in copper canisters designed for deep geological repositories. The model is validated using reported concentrations of radiolysis products and measured corrosion depths of Cu specimens. Results show that pH and bentonite porosity strongly influence corrosion depth, whereas trapped oxygen within the bentonite has a minor effect. Corrosion depths range from 10.26 ± 0.89% to 0.12 ± 0.01% for Cu wall thicknesses between 3 and 50 mm. These findings suggest that optimizing copper could maintain canister integrity while improving repository design efficiency.