Abstract
Nanoindentation micro-pillar splitting was employed to measure the fracture toughness (KC) of growth-zones in radiation-damaged zircon with varying degrees of disorder (∼45%–80% amorphous fraction). The radiation-induced amorphization is caused by α-decay events from incorporated U and Th (∼0.22–0.43 wt. % UO2 and ∼0.02–0.08 wt. % ThO2). KC has been found to increase with the increase in the amorphous fraction (∼2.39 to 3.15 MPa*m1/2). There is a good correlation with the modulus/hardness (E/H) ratio evolution over the investigated zones. As zircon has been proposed as a nuclear waste form for the incorporation and disposal of Pu, a deeper knowledge of KC as a function of radiation damage is important, as radiation-induced cracking provides diffusion paths for the release of incorporated actinides. Zoned zircon provides a model for the development of multilayer coatings and complex ceramics that can be designed to be resistant to crack propagation.
Highlights
As the structural amorphization of zircon leads to pronounced swelling and reduction in density,[14,21,26,27] a noticeable decrease in moduli and hardness has been observed.[22,23,28–32] An embrittlement of zircon has been observed by Ref. 31 with an increasing degree of crystallinity
The radiation-induced amorphization is caused by a-decay events from incorporated U and Th ($0.22–0.43 wt. % UO2 and $0.02–0.08 wt. % ThO2)
As zircon has been proposed as a nuclear waste form for the incorporation and disposal of Pu, a deeper knowledge of KC as a function of radiation damage is important, as radiation-induced cracking provides diffusion paths for the release of incorporated actinides
Summary
As the structural amorphization of zircon leads to pronounced swelling and reduction in density,[14,21,26,27] a noticeable decrease in moduli and hardness has been observed.[22,23,28–32] An embrittlement of zircon has been observed by Ref. 31 with an increasing degree of crystallinity (less suffered radiation dose). Nanoindentation micro-pillar splitting was employed to measure the fracture toughness (KC) of growth-zones in radiation-damaged zircon with varying degrees of disorder ($45%–80% amorphous fraction).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
