NSUF 08-75: Nonstoichiometric Spinel as Inert Matrix
ATR – NSUF: Irradiation Behavior of Oxide Ceramics for Inert MatricesAbstract: Safe, ecologically friendly, and economically sensible disposable of this radiotoxic inventory is a US Homeland and International security priority. A vey promising approach is the utilization of an inert matrix (IM) to burn plutonium and transuranics in an inert matrix fuel (IMF). Therefore, for successful implementation in current generation reactors, utilization of a stable and reliable inert matrix (IM) with similar thermophysical and neutronic properties to UO2 is essential. As part of an ongoing NERI project, the PI and coworkers have investigated the potential use of oxides for IM based on processing, re-processing, as well as thermophysical and neutronic property simulation and characterization. As a complement of this work, the objectives of the proposed NSUF experiments can be summarized as follows: a) Investigate the in-pile behavior of MgO-Nd2Zr2O7 cercer composites as an inert matrix, b) Investigate the in-pile behavior of single phase Mg-based spinels as an inert matrix, and c) Characterize the effect of irradiation on the microstructure of the investigated IMs.ATR irradiation followed by post irradiation examination is an ideal way to determine the irradiation effects on the proposed IM materials. Based on our recent NERI results, we propose the irradiation testing of MgO-Nd2Zr2O7 composite and spinel compounds using two separate pins. One pin will be assembled with several MgO, Nd2Zr2O7 and MgO-Nd2Zr2O7 composite pellets, and the other pin will be assembled with several MgAl2O4, Mg2SnO4, MgO•1.5Al2O3 and MgO•2.0Al2O3 pellets. Under this pin scheme, direct comparison between different spinel compounds can be made and additional insights on structure-irradiation tolerance relationships can be obtained.In order to study and understand the irradiation effects on these materials, the capsule will be visually examined to determine the mechanical integrity and surface appearance. Sample swelling will be determined using the contact profilometry. Scanning electron microscope will be used to determine the microstructure of irradiated samples and transmission electron microscope will be used to characterize the crystal structure and irradiation induced defects at an atomic level. Following the standard NSUF process for experiment insertion, starting with successful design verification in early 2008, plus licensing and target fabrication later in 2008, tentative encapsulation and insertion are planned for early spring 2009, with PIE beginning sometime Fall 2009/Spring 2010.
Additional Info
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Abstract | ATR – NSUF: Irradiation Behavior of Oxide Ceramics for Inert MatricesAbstract: Safe, ecologically friendly, and economically sensible disposable of this radiotoxic inventory is a US Homeland and International security priority. A vey promising approach is the utilization of an inert matrix (IM) to burn plutonium and transuranics in an inert matrix fuel (IMF). Therefore, for successful implementation in current generation reactors, utilization of a stable and reliable inert matrix (IM) with similar thermophysical and neutronic properties to UO2 is essential. As part of an ongoing NERI project, the PI and coworkers have investigated the potential use of oxides for IM based on processing, re-processing, as well as thermophysical and neutronic property simulation and characterization. As a complement of this work, the objectives of the proposed NSUF experiments can be summarized as follows: a) Investigate the in-pile behavior of MgO-Nd2Zr2O7 cercer composites as an inert matrix, b) Investigate the in-pile behavior of single phase Mg-based spinels as an inert matrix, and c) Characterize the effect of irradiation on the microstructure of the investigated IMs.ATR irradiation followed by post irradiation examination is an ideal way to determine the irradiation effects on the proposed IM materials. Based on our recent NERI results, we propose the irradiation testing of MgO-Nd2Zr2O7 composite and spinel compounds using two separate pins. One pin will be assembled with several MgO, Nd2Zr2O7 and MgO-Nd2Zr2O7 composite pellets, and the other pin will be assembled with several MgAl2O4, Mg2SnO4, MgO•1.5Al2O3 and MgO•2.0Al2O3 pellets. Under this pin scheme, direct comparison between different spinel compounds can be made and additional insights on structure-irradiation tolerance relationships can be obtained.In order to study and understand the irradiation effects on these materials, the capsule will be visually examined to determine the mechanical integrity and surface appearance. Sample swelling will be determined using the contact profilometry. Scanning electron microscope will be used to determine the microstructure of irradiated samples and transmission electron microscope will be used to characterize the crystal structure and irradiation induced defects at an atomic level. Following the standard NSUF process for experiment insertion, starting with successful design verification in early 2008, plus licensing and target fabrication later in 2008, tentative encapsulation and insertion are planned for early spring 2009, with PIE beginning sometime Fall 2009/Spring 2010. |
| Award Announced Date | 2008-03-27T00:00:00 |
| Awarded Institution | None |
| Facility | None |
| Facility Tech Lead | Alina Zackrone, Yaqiao Wu |
| Irradiation Facility | None |
| PI | Juan Nino |
| PI Email | [email protected] |
| Project Type | Irradiation/PIE |
| RTE Number | 75 |