Characterization and thermophysical properties of Zr0.8Nd0.2O1.9–MgO composite

Abstract

The major drawback of zirconia-based materials, in view of their applications as targets for minor actinide transmutation, is their poor thermal conductivity. The addition of MgO, which has high thermal conductivity, to zirconia-based materials is expected to improve their thermal conductivity. On these grounds, the present study aims at phase characterization and thermophysical property evaluation of neodymium-substituted zirconia (Zr0.8Nd0.2O1.9; using Nd2O3 as a surrogate for Am2O3) and its composites with MgO. The composite was prepared by a solid-state reaction of Zr0.8Nd0.2O1.9 (synthesized by gel combustion) and commercial MgO powders at 1773 K. Phase characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction and the microstructural investigation was performed using a scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The linear thermal expansion coefficient of Zr0.8Nd0.2O1.9 increases upon composite formation with MgO, which is attributed to a higher thermal expansivity of MgO. Similarly, specific heat also increases with the addition of MgO to Zr0.8Nd0.2O1.9. Thermal conductivity was calculated from measured thermal diffusivity, temperature-dependent density and specific heat values. Thermal conductivity of Zr0.8Nd0.2O1.9–MgO (50 wt%) composite is more than that of typical UO2 fuel, supporting the potential of Zr0.8Nd0.2O1.9–MgO composites as target materials for minor actinides transmutation.