| Popis: |
Alternative processing methods are being considered for rapid sintering of inert matrix fuel (IMF) at low temperatures to minimize the loss of volatile actinides. Previous studies on microwave-hybrid sintering of the matrix material, 8 mol.% yttria–zirconia (8YZ), showed rapid densification at lower temperatures when compared with a conventional process. The current study examines the applicability of dysprosia (Dy2O3) as a surrogate for americia (Am2O3) in investigating the microwave-hybrid sintering of a simulated IMF, 20 wt.% Dy2O3 dispersed in 8 mol.% yttria–zirconia (8YZ-20D). The results show that 8YZ-20D is sintered to 93% of its theoretical density (TD) at 1300 °C with a soak time of 100 min in a multimode microwave-hybrid furnace. A similar heating schedule in a conventional furnace resulted in 87% TD. The enhancement in densification of 8YZ-20D due to microwave-hybrid sintering did not alter any of the resulting microstructures. Based on these experiments, it was found that low-temperature microwave-hybrid sintering was suitable for fabricating IMF pellets. |
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