Zirconolite Matrices for the Immobilization of REE–Actinide Wastes

The structural and chemical properties of zirconolite (ideally CaZrTi2O7) as a host phase for separated REE–actinide-rich wastes are considered. Detailed analysis of both natural and synthetic zirconolite-structured phases confirms that a selection of zirconolite polytype structures may be obtained,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ceramics 2023-09, Vol.6 (3), p.1573-1622
Main Authors: Yudintsev, Sergey V., Nickolsky, Maximilian S., Ojovan, Michael I., Stefanovsky, Olga I., Malkovsky, Victor I., Ulanova, Amina S., Blackburn, Lewis R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Actinides
Analysis
Boreholes
Ceramic materials
Ceramics
Chemical properties
Chemical synthesis
Cold pressing
Composite materials
Corrosion
Crystallization
Geology
Glass ceramics
highly radioactive waste
Hot isostatic pressing
immobilization
Minerals
Nuclear energy
Radiation
REE–actinide fraction
Sintering
Solid solutions
Wastes
Zirconium
zirconolite
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Summary:The structural and chemical properties of zirconolite (ideally CaZrTi2O7) as a host phase for separated REE–actinide-rich wastes are considered. Detailed analysis of both natural and synthetic zirconolite-structured phases confirms that a selection of zirconolite polytype structures may be obtained, determined by the provenance, crystal chemistry, and/or synthesis route. The production of zirconolite ceramic and glass–ceramic composites at an industrial scale appears most feasible by cold pressing and sintering (CPS), pressure-assisted sintering techniques such as hot isostatic pressing (HIP), or a melt crystallization route. Moreover, we discuss the synthesis of zirconolite glass ceramics by the crystallization of B–Si–Ca–Zr–Ti glasses containing actinides in conditions of increased temperatures relevant to deep borehole disposal (DBD).
ISSN:2571-6131
2571-6131
DOI:10.3390/ceramics6030098