The behavior of unirradiated UO2 and uraninite under repository conditions characterized by Raman. Issue 62 (20th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bonales, L. J.; Elorrieta, J.M.; Menor-Salván, C.; Cobos, J.
• Is Part Of: MRS advances. Volume 1:Issue 62(2016)
• Page Start: 4157
• Page End: 4162
• Publication Date: 2017-02-20
• Subjects: oxide, -- U, -- Raman spectroscopy; Electrical engineering -- Congresses; Physics -- Congresses; Materials -- Research -- Congresses; Materials science -- Congresses; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1557/adv.2017.203
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2059-8521

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Raman spectroscopy studies have been performed on one hand to identify different materials related to spent nuclear fuel (SNF), and on the other hand to study the behavior of SNF at different storage conditions. Specifically, the expected oxidation of the SNF matrix under dry storage conditions and the formation of secondary phases (SP), as a result of corrosion of SNF in a deep geological repository, have been studied. In order to perform these experiments, two protocols based on the Raman spectroscopy technique have been developed. The results show U4 O9 /U3 O7 and U3 O8 as oxidation products of UO2 powder at high temperatures in air, and the secondary phase formation (rutherfordine, UO2 (CO3 ), soddyite, (UO2 )2 SiO4 2H2 O, uranophane alpha Ca(UO2 )2 (SiO3 OH)2 5H2 O and kasolite, PbUO2 SiO4 H2 O), due to uraninite corrosion under the conditions of Sierra Albarrana (Spain).