Studies on stabilised zirconia as host phase for the fixation of actinides, rare-earths and sodium

Titania, zirconia and alumina based ceramic materials are potential solid waste forms being assessed to determine their suitability for long term immobilisation of radionuclides. The preparation, characterisation, solid solubilities and leachability studies on stabilised zirconia containing actinides, rare earths and sodium are reported. The range of solid solubilities of cerium, uranium, neodymium, plutonium and sodium was established in stabilised zirconia. Leaching studies in water and 0.1 M HCl at room temperature and 70°C showed very low leachabilities of uranium, plutonium and rare earths.