Thermophysical characterization of ZrN and (Zr,Pu)N

Nitride compounds are currently considered as possible fuels for advanced nuclear reactors. Among the relevant properties to be investigated, thermophysical quantities such as heat capacity and thermal diffusivity/conductivity are key to ensure safe operation of the fuel in the reactor. Both physical and chemical phenomenological experimental activities are included in this effort. The experimental procedures were optimized to limit oxidation of materials in presence of even small quantities of oxygen and moisture, especially during the measurements at high temperature. Heat capacity and thermal diffusivity/conductivity were measured for ZrN and (Zr,Pu)N compounds. A consistent set of results was obtained from low- and high-temperature Cp measurements for both materials. The excess Cp of solution was estimated. Increasing trends with temperature were observed for the thermal diffusivity and conductivity of both materials in the temperature range considered, confirming the metallic behavior of this class of materials. The presence of Pu causes an almost constant decrease of the thermal conductivity compared to the pure ZrN matrix.