Radiation Damage Effects in Candidate Titanates for Pu Disposition: Pyrochlore

Journal Article · Sat Oct 15 00:00:00 EDT 2005 · Journal of Nuclear Materials, 345(2-3):109-135

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2005.04.064· OSTI ID:876896

Strachan, Denis M; Scheele, Randall D; Buck, Edgar C; Icenhower, Jonathan P; Kozelisky, Anne E; Sell, Rachel L; Elovich, Robert J; Buchmiller, William C

Laboratory experiments on titanate ceramics were performed to verify whether certain assumptions are valid regarding the swelling, chemical durability, and microcracking that might occur as 239Pu decays. Titanate ceramics are the material of choice for the immobilization of surplus weapons-grade Pu. The short-lived isotope, 238Pu, was incorporated into the ceramic formulation to accelerate the effects of radiation induced damage. We report on the effects of this damage on the density (volumetric swelling <6%), crystal structure of pyrochlore-bearing specimens (amorphous after about 21018 α/g), and dissolution (no change from fully the crystalline specimen). Even though the specimens became amorphous during the tests, there was no evidence for microcracking in the photomicrographs from the scanning electron microscope. Thus, although pyrochlore is susceptible to radiation-induced damage, the material remains chemically and physically viable as a material for immobilizing surplus weapons-grade Pu.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 876896
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-44217; NN6001020
• Journal Information: Journal of Nuclear Materials, 345(2-3):109-135, Journal Name: Journal of Nuclear Materials, 345(2-3):109-135
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

radiation damage
titanates
weapons-grade plutonium
pyrochlore
plutonium immobilization