Characterization of Inert Matrix Fuels into SYNROC Using X-ray Absorption Near Edge Spectroscopy

Abstract

SYNROC was synthesized using simulated inert matrix fuels (IMFs) and the resulting materials characterized using Ti K-edge, Zr K-edge, and Nd L₃-edge x-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES). Based on the fitting results of Ti K-edge XANES it was determined that SYNROC has had significant alterations to the zirconolite (CaZrTi₂O₇) phase, with respect to the chemical environment of Ti. However, results from both the Zr K-edge and Nd L₃-edge XANES support the continued existence of a zirconolite phase in the SYNROC synthesized using the IMFs as starting reagents.