On the basic properties of an iron-based simulated cermet inert matrix fuel, synthesized by a dry route in oxidizing conditions

Simulated stabilized zirconia inert matrix fuels are synthesized by sintering in air at 1573 K. Iron cermet materials are obtained using the latter ceramic phase, with the chemical compositions of 70 and 90 vol.% (Zr0.73Y0.14Er0.05Ce0.08)O2-Fe. The cerium is used as a minor actinide surrogate. The stabilized zirconia phase is taken as a reference material. The cermet 90 vol.% (Zr0.73Y0.14Er0.05Ce0.08)O2-Fe has the best density. It was selected to measure the material properties.The dilatometric study showed that the speed of sintering of the iron cermet is 10 times slower than that of the stabilized zirconia inert matrix. However, good values of microhardness and specific heat are reached for the cermet.A static leach test gives weak cerium amounts in the water leachates. They are three times weaker for the cermet compared with the zirconia matrix and the speed of cerium diffusion is higher for the cermet. For these simulated materials, one can conclude that the iron cermet is chemically much stable than the stabilized zirconia material.