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Irradiation-induced reduction of microcracking in zirconolite

Conference ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-44-663· OSTI ID:6449469

/sup 238/Pu-substituted zirconolite (CaPuTi/sub 2/O/sub 7/) was stored near ambient temperature for 231 days, equivalent to an alpha decay dose of 3.1x10/sup 25/ ..cap alpha../m/sup 3/ or 3x10/sup 5/ years of storage time for SYNROC ceramic nuclear waste. Periodic indentation testing showed that hardness was decreased by alpha decay-induced conversion to the metamict state, while fracture toughness and resistance to cracking were increased, apparently as a consequence of the formation of a heterogeneous microstructure. These results imply improved stability of this nuclear waste phase as a result of self-irradiation damage. 21 references, 4 figures.

Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
OSTI ID:
6449469
Report Number(s):
LA-UR-84-3383; CONF-841157-8; ON: DE85002410
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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