Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis of Ce-doped sphene mineral using CuO as the oxidant

The preparation of Sphene (CaTiSiO5) was explored by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) using different types of oxidants (Ca(NO3)2, MoO3 and CuO) with Ti as the reducant. The adiabatic temperatures of all designed reactions were calculated, and the actual combustion temperatures were measured. Phase compositions and microstructure were investigated by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results indicate that sphene-rich composite was successfully prepared using CuO as the oxidant with TiO2/Ti rate as 0:1. This sphene-rich ceramic was densified by quick pressing (QP) with density of 4.873 g/cm3. As a simulation of tetravalent actinide nuclides, 10 wt% Ce was doped and immobilized in the prepared sphene with chemical formulation of Ca0.86Ce0.11Ti1.09Si0.94O5.