Speaker
Description
Particle accelerators and synchrotron radiation facilities are pivotal tools in advancing nuclear materials research. In this study, we harnessed accelerator-driven ion beams and synchrotron-based spectroscopies to investigate the radiation tolerance of ceramic composites as candidates for Inert Matrix Fuel (IMF). Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) stands out as a potential material for IMF due to its high radiation tolerance, low neutron cross-section, compatibility with fissile materials, etc. However, its relatively low thermal conductivity is a significant limitation. To address this, we developed a composite of YSZ with a material of high thermal conductivity, viz., MgO. The YSZ-MgO composites were irradiated using 400 keV Kr and 80 MeV I ions at both ambient and reactor-relevant temperatures, employing ion accelerators to simulate radiation encountered in reactors. YSZ-MgO composites exhibit superior resistance to radiation-induced structural degradation compared to single-component YSZ. Samples irradiated at elevated temperature demonstrated enhanced radiation resistance compared to room temperature irradiated samples. Notably, a distinct radiation response emerges when magnesium is doped into the YSZ lattice rather than forming a separate MgO phase. Insights from synchrotron-based XPS, XAS and thermal spike simulations will be discussed to elucidate the mechanisms governing the enhanced radiation tolerance of ceramic composites.
Funding Agency
Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS)
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