Oxidation of accident tolerant fuels models based on Cr-doped UO2 for the safety of nuclear storage facilities

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jnucmat.2023.154502
• Publication Date: 2023-05-04T15:18:42Z
• Authors: A. Milena-Pérez; L.J. Bonales; N. Rodríguez-Vill...; M.B. Gómez-Mancebo; H. Galán
• Keywords: Partial pressure; Nuclear Fuel; Thermal oxidation

Oxidation of Accident-Tolerant Fuels (ATF) is important from the nuclear safety point view because it could provoke release radioactive material. Despite use ATFs in current reactors, no studies regarding their oxidation are available. Thus, we propose here an experimental study on Cr2O3-doped UO2 samples, which were subjected to a thermal treatment ranging room temperature up 973 K oxidant conditions. The aim assess potential resistance Cr-doped based model systems. Next, effect oxygen partial pressure and influence Cr2O3 dopant concentration concentrations fresh fuel evaluated. Two compositions (1% 21%O2) used further evaluate impact oxidation. results show that, despite found air (21% O2), there clear decrease degree at 1%O2. These intended provide fundamental reference for future investigations corrosion behavior performance be accounted new designs storage facilities.