JRP 03-02

Partners

UCAM-DES

EC-JRC-ITU

Logo Munster

Contact

Dr. T. Geisler-Wierwille
University of Münster - Institut für Mineralogie - Corrensstraße 24 48149 Münster - Germany
Phone + 49 (0) 251 833 33 50
E-mail e-mail

Hydrothermal stability of 238Pu and 239Pu-doped phosphate and titanate ceramics

Status

 
Terminated - Planned from January 2006 till June 2007

Goals

The goal of this joint research project is to study the hydrothermal stability of ceramic materials as potential matrices for the safe immobilization of HLW. In particular, the project is designed to investigate the hydrothermal stability of Pu-doped pyrochlore, zirconolite, and monazite ceramics. The main objective is to understand the reaction mechanisms at the fluid-mineral interface (under different physico-chemical conditions) and their dependence on structural properties, such as elastic strain created in Pu-bearing solid solutions and structural changes, generated during progressive self-irradiation.

Expected results

The results of this joint research project will lead to improvements in the understanding of the effects of the chemical and structural properties of ceramic materials on their aqueous durability. They will also contribute to:

  • the establishment of valuation criteria for the ranking of the performance of waste form materials;
  • the development of improved ceramic materials for the stabilisation and immobilisation of HLW.

Reports