SHS of pyrochlore-type ceramic matrices for immobilization of actinide-containing nuclear wastes

Mineral-like Y2(Ti1–x Zr x )2O7 ceramic matrices for immobilization of actinide–Zr–RE-containing high-level nuclear wastes (HLW) were prepared by SHS method. In experiments, HLW were modeled by a mixture of CeO2, La2O3, ZrO2, MnO2, and Fe2O3 powders. An increase in the HLW content of green mixture decreased the amount of Y2(Ti1–x Zr x )2O7 in combustion product and increased that of ZrO2, LaTiO3, and CaTiO3; decreased the fractional substitutionality of Zr for Ti; and increased the product porosity. An increase in combustion temperature and suppression of heat sink during SHS reaction did not diminish markedly the porosity of synthesized ceramics.