Metal-Matrix Radioactive Waste Forms Prepared by Electrochemical/Gravity Co-Deposition

The electrochemical/gravity co-deposition method of making diamond tools and cermets for hard-facing has been used to incorporate particles of simulated defense and civilian radioactive waste calcines into strong, nonporous and highly leach-resistant copper matrices. This process operates at room temperature and pressure, and thus appears to offer significant advantages over the casting and pressing and, sintering methods previously considered as the means of fabricating metal-matrix waste forms by remote control.