| Containing no fertile materials, inert matrix fuel (IMF) has been introduced as a potential transmutation solution for the increasing inventory of both weapon grade and reactor grade plutonium (Pu). In the present work, the MgO-pyrochlore (Nd2Zr2O7) composites and spinel magnesium stannate (Mg2SnO4) were selected as potential inert matrix (IM) materials. A comprehensive investigation was conducted on evaluation of the engineering parameters of the potential IM materials.;The MgO-Nd2Zr2O7 composites and Mg 2SnO4 were fabricated through conventional solid state processing. The crystal structure and microstructure of the synthesized composites and Mg2SnO4 were studied. The irradiation tolerance of the potential IM materials was first assessed. The resistance of Mg2SnO 4 against irradiation induced amorphization was assessed experimentally using in situ TEM technique. The critical amorphization doses for Mg2SnO4 irradiated by 1 MeV Kr2+ ions were determined to be 5.5 dpa at 50 K and 11.0 dpa at 150 K, respectively. The obtained results were compared with other spinels especially MgAl 2O4, and the radiation tolerance of spinels were discussed.;The next evaluation was water corrosion resistance of the potential IM materials. Homogeneous MgO-Nd2Zr2O7 composites exhibited an improved hydrothermal corrosion resistance than inhomogeneous composites and pure MgO. Even though spinel Mg2SnO4 was not stable in water at 300°C and saturation pressure, the corrosion was limited only to the surface, and the volume and mass changes were less than 1 % after 720 h corrosion.;Feasibility of aqueous reprocessing was evaluated by studying the dissolution behavior of the potential IM materials in acidic solutions, with an emphasis on nitric acid. Dissolution of the MgO-Nd2Zr2O 7 composites in HNO3 resulted in a selective dissolution of MgO. Mechanical agitation such as magnetic bar stirring was necessary to achieve a completed dissolution of MgO and disintegration of porous Nd 2Zr2O7 matrix. It was demonstrated that Nd 2Zr2O7 could be successfully digested in boiling concentrated H2SO4. Similarly, dissolution of Mg 2SnO4 in HNO3 also resulted in a selective leaching of Mg2+ from the matrix. The undissolved substance consisted of SnO2 and substantial amorphous materials. Final evaluation will be performed by irradiating the potential IM materials in the Advanced Testing Reactor at Idaho National Lab. |
