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Zirconolite-Based Ceramic Formulations for Immobilization of Zr-REE-Actinide Fraction of HLW

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 March 2011

A.V. Ochkin
Affiliation:
D.Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology, Miusskaya sq., 9, Moscow 125047, Russia
S.V. Stefanovsky
Affiliation:
SIA Radon, 7th Rostovskii per. 2/14, Moscow 119121 RUSSIA, [email protected]
A.G. Ptashkin
Affiliation:
SIA Radon, 7th Rostovskii per. 2/14, Moscow 119121 RUSSIA, [email protected]
N.S. Mikhailenko
Affiliation:
D.Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology, Miusskaya sq., 9, Moscow 125047, Russia SIA Radon, 7th Rostovskii per. 2/14, Moscow 119121 RUSSIA, [email protected]
O.I. Kirjanova
Affiliation:
D.Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology, Miusskaya sq., 9, Moscow 125047, Russia
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Abstract

Two ceramics for immobilization of a Zr-REE-actinide fraction of high level waste (HLW) based on zirconolite or/and pyrochlore structures with minor brannerite/lucasite, and fluorite-structured dioxide-based solid solution, were synthesized and characterized. The samples were produced by melting of oxide mixtures at 1500 °C followed by controlled cooling for crystallization. Phase compositions of the samples obtained and waste elements partitioning among co-existing phases were investigated in detail using powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Cerium enters cerianite-based solid solution, lucasite (if present), and to a lesser extent, pyrochlore and zirconolite. Europium and gadolinium enter predominantly zirconolite and pyrochlore. The highest uranium concentrations were found in a uraninite-based cubic solid solution or pyrochlore and zirconolite.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2004

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