Fabrication of zirconia-based targets for transmutation

The fabrication of homogeneous (Am,Y,Zr)O2-x pellets and heterogeneous pell ets, containing (Am,Y,Zr)O2-x, spheres dispersed in an inert matrix, by dus t-free processes has been investigated. Due to the high activity of americi um, the preparatory fabrication tests and process development are being car ried out using cerium analogue element. The sol gel route is used to produc e highly porous Y0.15Zr0.85O2-x spheres, which are then infiltrated with a cerium nitrate solution Co give (Ce,Y,Zr)O2-x. The goal (28 wt% Ce) can be achieved. Homogeneous targets with densities up to 94 %TD have been obtaine d. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.