Cementation processes are commonly used as immobilization techniques for low and intermediate level radioactive waste. In particular, combustible solid radioactive waste can be incinerated and the resulting ashes can be cemented into steel drums before storage. These steel drums may undergo internal corrosion depending on the presence of certain species. In a previous work the corrosion susceptibility of steel drums containing other type of cemented nuclear waste (ion-exchange resins) was studied, and it was found that the durability of the drums will be higher than the expected span life of the nuclear repository. The present work was aimed at evaluating the corrosion susceptibility of steel drums in contact with cemented incineration ashes. A specimen was designed to simulate the cemented ashes inside the drum and the corrosion process was monitored over a time period of 3.6 years. Although the results show the deleterious effect of chloride contained in the ashes, the corrosion rates are sufficiently low as to guarantee the integrity of the drums over the expected lifespan of the waste containers.
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