Synergistic Responses of Quaternary Lithium Borosilicate Glass Under Coupled γ‐Irradiation and Corrosion

ABSTRACT The responses of the quaternary lithium borosilicate glass (QBG) are systematically examined under coupled γ‐irradiation and corrosion. QBG samples were exposed to 300 kGy for 2 days and 3 MGy for 20 days, followed by analyses of pH, elemental release, optical features, and vibrational spectra. Compared with corrosion‐only samples, γ‐irradiation decreased the pH of the leachate, promoting ion exchange reactions and consequently accelerating the release of Na, B, and Si, with more pronounced synergistic effects observed at higher doses and longer durations. A reduction in Q 3 species and an increase in non‐bridging oxygen (NBO) content indicated changes in the Si–O–Si bond angles and a decline in network polymerization. Optical microscopy revealed bubble formation under coupled experiments, suggesting enhanced molecular oxygen generation. These results demonstrate that γ‐irradiation facilitates glass corrosion through both network depolymerization and acidification. Moreover, the structural response under coupled experiments differs significantly from that observed under single‐factor treatments, underscoring the importance of accounting for irradiation–corrosion coupling when assessing the long‐term geological disposal performance of vitrified waste forms.