Optimization of sintering parameters for nitride transmutation fuels

John T. Dunwoody, Christopher R. Stanek, Kenneth J. McClellan, Stewart L. Voit, Thomas Hartmann, Kirk Wheeler, Manuel Parra, Pedro Peralta

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

One mission of the Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI) is to develop transmutation fuels (i.e. fuels capable of having their transuranic elements transmuted to a shorter-lived isotopes) in order to close the nuclear fuel cycle, thereby reducing: the U.S. inventory of civilian plutonium, the waste stored in geologic repositories, and the cost of nuclear waste management. Actinide mononitrides are potential transmutation fuel materials due to favorable properties such as high melting point, excellent thermal conductivity, high fissile density, suitability towards reprocessing, and good radiation tolerance1. In order to avoid the difficulties of working with actinide bearing materials, we have performed a processing study on ZrN. ZrN is isostructural (i.e. NaCl structure) with actinide nitrides, and is therefore a good surrogate compound. Furthermore, ZrN is a diluent in so-called "non-fertile" fuels, i.e. containing no uranium. The effects of sintering were investigated by varying both the sintering atmosphere and temperature in order to determine the effect on important properties such as density and nitrogen stoichiometry. The density and stoichiometry values were then compared to hardness and microstrucrure on similar samples. The results of these studies are presented in the context of the various issues associated with the design and fabrication of actinide-bearing nitride fuel forms.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationCeramics in Nuclear and Alternative Energy Applications - A Collection of Papers Presented at the 30th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites
Pages29-38
Number of pages10
Edition5
StatePublished - 2006
EventCeramics in Nuclear and Alternative Energy Applications - 30th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites - Cocoa Beach, FL, United States
Duration: Jan 22 2006Jan 27 2006

Publication series

NameCeramic Engineering and Science Proceedings
Number5
Volume27
ISSN (Print)0196-6219

Other

OtherCeramics in Nuclear and Alternative Energy Applications - 30th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCocoa Beach, FL
Period1/22/061/27/06

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Materials Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Optimization of sintering parameters for nitride transmutation fuels'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this