Thermophysical property measurements and ion-implantation studies on CePO4

Abstract

The thermal properties and the response to fission-product damage of CePO₄ were studied in view of its potential application as inert matrix for the transmutation of transuranium elements in nuclear reactors. The thermal expansion of CePO₄ has been recorded from 293 K to 1323 K using X-ray diffraction. The reduced enthalpy increment of CePO₄ has been measured by drop calorimetry from 474 K to 934 K. The laser-flash technique was used to measure the thermal diffusivity between 300 K and 1150 K. Ion implantation studies were performed at 813 K with 72 MeV ${}^{127}\text{I}$ ions and at room temperature with 403 MeV ${}^{116}\text{Sn}$ ions. The results are not favourable for the use of CePO₄ as inert matrix to incinerate actinides.