Durability testing of heavy ion irradiated crystalline ceramics
The purpose of this report is to assess the effects of heavy-ion irradiation on the durability of pyrochlore-rich baseline ceramics and single-phase pyrochlore, zirconolite and brannerite ceramics. Development of a titanate-based crystalline ceramic form to immobilize surplus weapons-useable plutonium for disposition is the mission of the Plutonium Immobilization Project (PIP). A major development and testing activity for this program is performance testing and qualification of the wasteform for a repository. As part of the performance testing, the leaching behavior of the ceramic form must be evaluated to determine the anticipated repository behavior. To study the impact of radiation damage on the performance of the ceramic, the damage must be accelerated using techniques such as {sup 238}Pu doping and ion irradiation. The purpose of this report is to assess the effects of heavy-ion irradiation on the durability of pyrochlore-rich baseline ceramics and single-phase pyrochlore, zirconolite and brannerite ceramics. Ion irradiation of ceramic pellet surfaces will transform the outermost several tenths of microns of the surface into a metamict (i.e., noncrystalline) state. Short-term monolithic leach tests on unirradiated and irradiated samples should elucidate any significant differences in the durability of the undamaged crystalline surface versus the damaged metamict surface. Data developed under this task will support a preliminary integrated data report to be supplied to the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (RW) for use in the license application for the candidate Yucca Mountain repository.
- Research Organization:
- Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-96SR18500
- OSTI ID:
- 750868
- Report Number(s):
- WSRC-MS-2000-00018; TRN: US0001125
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: American Nuclear Society, 2000 Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA (US), 06/04/2000--06/08/2000; Other Information: PBD: 18 Jan 2000
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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