Phase analysis of simulated nuclear fuel debris synthesized using UO2, Zr, and stainless steel and leaching behavior of the fission products and matrix elements

Abstract

Simulated debris was synthesized using UO2, Zr, and stainless steel and a heat treatment method under inert or oxidizing conditions. The primary U solid phase of the debris synthesized at 1473 K under inert conditions was UO2, whereas a (U, Zr)O2 solid solution formed at 1873 K. Under oxidizing conditions, a mixture of U3O8 and (Fe, Cr)UO4 phases formed at 1473 K, whereas a (U, Zr)O2+x solid solution formed at 1873 K. The leaching behavior of the fission products from the simulated debris was evaluated using two methods: the irradiation method, for which fission products were produced via neutron irradiation, and the doping method, for which trace amounts of non-radioactive elements were doped into the debris. The dissolution behavior of U depended on the properties of the debris and aqueous solution for immersion. Cs, Sr, and Ba leached out regardless of the primary solid phases. The leaching of high-valence Eu and Ru ions was suppressed, possibly owing to their solid-solution reaction with or incorporation into the uranium compounds of the simulated debris.