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Title: Self-radiation damage in actinide host phases of nuclear waste forms

Journal Article · · Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6564075

Three crystalline ceramic materials, which occur as host phases for the long-lived actinides in many nuclear waste formulations, were doped with Cm-244, and the effects of self-radiation damage from alpha decay on microstructure and physical properties were investigated. The irradiation-induced microstructure consisted of individual amorphous tracks from both the alpha-recoil particles and the spontaneous fission fragments. The eventual overlap of the tracks at higher doses leads to a completely amorphous state. This radiation-induced amorphization process results in measured increases in volume, leachability, and stored energy. Thermal recovery of the radiation-induced swelling and amorphization occurs with full recrystallization to the initial structures. 21 references, 5 figures, 2 tables.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
6564075
Journal Information:
Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc.; (United States), Vol. 44
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English