Chemical interaction of yttrium aluminosilicate glass with CeO2, UO2 and PuO2 at high temperatures

The thermal interaction of yttrium aluminosilicate glass with cerium, plutonium and uranium oxides at temperatures up to 1200 °C has been studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and secondary electron microscopy (SEM). The glass, a candidate for joining and sealing advanced fuel cladding materials, such as silicon carbide (SiC), undergoes a recrystallization process above 1000 °C providing a mixture that exhibits two melting points at 1379 and 1410 °C. Samples containing glass and actinide oxide mixtures did not form new phases, nor did the actinide oxides influence the recrystallization behavior of the glass.

► Recrystallization process of yttrium aluminosilicate glass starts above 1000 °C.
► Glass exhibits two melting points at 1379 °C and 1410 °C.
► No thermal interaction of glass with CeO2, PuO2 and UO2 until 1200 °C.