Abstract

Owing to the importance of fluorapatite matrices for immobilization of nuclear waste, a systematic study was undertaken to explore the variation of structural and thermodynamic properties of co-doped calcium fluorapatite with general formula NaxEuxCa10‐2x(PO4)6F2, where x = 0.5, 1.0,1.5 and 2.0. These solid solutions were synthesized via solid state reaction route and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Rietveld refinement of powder diffraction patterns was carried out to determine detailed structures of the compounds. Thermal stability of the synthesized compounds was ascertained by Thermogravimetry (TG) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Thermal expansion coefficients of all these compounds were calculated from High Temperature X-ray diffraction (HT-XRD) data whereas the effect of temperature on the bond lengths was investigated by Rietveld refinement of HT-XRD patterns. The specific heat capacities of the compounds were obtained from DSC as well as from the high temperature Calvet calorimetry and it was found that obtained experimental results are inter-consistent. Structural stability against electron beam and gamma ray irradiation were investigated by XRD, Raman and IR measurements.

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