About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) 2025
|
| Symposium
|
Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) 2025
|
| Presentation Title |
Exploring Overcoating Methodology for Integrating TRISO Particles Into Oxide Fuel Matrices |
| Author(s) |
Alicia Raftery, Eddie Lopez-Honorato, Ryan Heldt, Fabio Martini, Tyler Gerczak |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Alicia Raftery |
| Abstract Scope |
Overcoating is a critical step in the fabrication of TRISO fuel compacts, where TRISO particles are coated with a low-density graphite matrix layer within a rotating drum. During this process, graphite matrix powder and solvent are continuously introduced into the drum with the particles, resulting in the formation of a 200–500 µm thick matrix layer around the particles. The overcoating layer ensures the particles are uniformly spaced when they are subsequently pressed into compacts. Overcoating methodology is well understood for the graphite matrix system. The presence of phenolic resin within the matrix enables powder adhesion to the particles via partial dissolution into the solvent. However, the applicability of the overcoating process to oxide fuel systems has yet to be explored. If successful, this approach could enable a new class of composite fuel forms by integrating coated particle architectures into monolithic ceramic matrices. This study investigates overcoating behavior in a surrogate oxide fuel system. Yttria-stabilized zirconia microspheres, coated with representative TRISO layers, were used as particle feedstock. The particles were overcoated with cerium oxide powder combined with three different binder solutions to assess their effectiveness in facilitating a uniform overcoating. The overcoated particles were then pressed into small cylindrical compacts and sintered in an optical dilatometer to evaluate the densification behavior of the composite structure. This study reports on the oxide overcoating performance across binder systems, their impact on compaction and sintering behavior, and the resulting microstructure of the composite compacts. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |