About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Ceramics and Ceramic-Based Composites for Nuclear Applications III
|
| Presentation Title |
Characterization of thermal physical properties and defects in Ln-doped UO<sub>2</sub> |
| Author(s) |
Arjen van Veelen, Adrien Terricabras, Scarlett W Widgeon Paisner, Joshua T White |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Arjen van Veelen |
| Abstract Scope |
Gadolinium (Gd) and europium (Eu) oxides are widely studied as burnable absorbers, with Gd<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> favored for its high neutron cross-section and common use in boiling water reactors (BWRs). Its stable cubic phase (up to 1200 °C) forms solid solutions with UO<sub>2</sub> . Despite extensive studies, issues like microcracking remain unresolved. The incorporation of Gd<sup>3+</sup> depends on oxygen availability, leading to either vacancies or U<sup>5+</sup> formation. We synthesized Gd- and Eu-doped UO<sub>2</sub> (6, 10, 15 wt%) using solid-state methods and confirmed phase purity through X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence. Thermal diffusivity, heat capacity, and dilatometry measurements provided thermal conductivity data. Additionally, synchrotron X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) revealed local structural changes and defect formation. Our results show that Gd and Eu doping significantly reduce thermal conductivity due to lattice defects. XAS further suggests vacancy formation. We will discuss our findings, emphasizing the defect chemistry of doped UO<sub>2</sub> and its comparison to historical data. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Nuclear Materials, Characterization, Other |