synroc

Synroc is a synthetic rock developed for the disposal of radioactive waste. It is a ceramic material composed of various titanate minerals, designed to immobilize radioactive elements by incorporating them into its crystal structure. This crystalline structure is highly stable and resistant to leaching, meaning radioactive materials are unlikely to escape into the environment over long periods.12

Synroc is considered a second-generation waste form, offering advantages over earlier methods like borosilicate glass, which can devitrify and crack over time due to heat from radioactive decay. The minerals used in Synroc are similar to those found in nature that have sequestered radioactive elements for millions of years, demonstrating their long-term stability. This makes Synroc a promising solution for safely containing hazardous nuclear waste for the thousands of years required for its radioactivity to decay to negligible levels.12