Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
Samples of primarily-monoclinic 238 Pu-doped zirconolite were stored at ambient temperature to allow accumulation of alpha decay self-damage to a dose of 6 × 1024 α/m3 (equivalent to a SYNROC age of ֮103 y). Bulk swelling reached 2.3 vol% with no tendency toward saturation, a damage response similar to that observed for cubic Pu-doped zirconolite. X-ray volumetric swelling at 4 × 1024 ֮/m3 was 1 vol%, considerably less than that for the cubic material. Changes in cell dimensions differed significantly from those reported by others for a monoclinic natural mineral. Extensive microcracking was observed, and is attributed at least partially to swelling differences between the matrix and minor phases.
Work performed under the auspices of the U. S. Department of Energy.