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Investigation of Ce incorporation in zirconolite glass-ceramics for UK plutonium disposition

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 January 2017

Stephanie M. Thornber*
Affiliation:
Immobilisation Science Laboratory, Materials Science and Engineering Dept., The University of Sheffield, Mapping Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
Martin C. Stennett
Affiliation:
Immobilisation Science Laboratory, Materials Science and Engineering Dept., The University of Sheffield, Mapping Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
Neil C. Hyatt
Affiliation:
Immobilisation Science Laboratory, Materials Science and Engineering Dept., The University of Sheffield, Mapping Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
*
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Abstract

Cerium incorporation in zirconolite glass-ceramic systems, consolidated by hot isostatic pressing, was investigated. Samples were formulated to target Ce incorporation on the Ca and / or Zr sites. Results show successful incorporation of Ce into the ceramic phase although complete waste digestion was not achieved. The formation of a Ce-bearing perovskite phase when targeting Zr substitution, was associated with reduction of Ce4+ to Ce3+. This study is part of preliminary work towards fabricating Pu-bearing glass-ceramic HIP samples.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2017 

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References

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