Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Detection of Radiation Damage in Ceramics
EMSL Project ID
6512
Abstract
The project involves the joint development of protocols for safe magic angle spinning NMR experiments on highly radioactive samples. Scientists and technicians at the University of Cambridge, UK will develop triple containment and sample loading procedures in collaboration with PNNL staff. The goal is to perform a 29Si MASNMR spin-counting measurement of radiation damage in samples of zircon (ZrSiO4)prepared ~20 years ago containing 10 wt% 239Pu and 238Pu. The PI's MAS NMR results on natural radiation damage zircons will provide the basis for interpreting the structure of the amorphous phase and the number of atoms displaced per alpha event. These synthetic samples are of similar dose to natural zircons but with a much higher dose rate. This work has great significance for the durability of actinide containing ceramics in many applications.
Project Details
Project type
Capability Research
Start Date
2004-05-13
End Date
2006-11-01
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Related Publications
Farnan IE, HM Cho, and WJ Weber. 2007. "QUANTIFICATION OF ACTINIDE ALPHA-RADIATION DAMAGE IN MINERALS AND CERAMICS." Nature 445:190-193. doi:10.1038/nature05425
Farnan I, HM Cho, and WJ Weber. 2005. "IDENTIFYING AND QUANTIFYING ACTINIDE RADIATION DAMAGE IN ZrSiO4 MINERALS AND CERAMICS WITH NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE." PNNL-SA-45636, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA.