U1-xAmxO2±δ MABB Fabrication in the Frame of the DIAMINO Irradiation Experiment

In the frame of the heterogeneous transmutation of minor actinides in MABB (Minor Actinides Bearing-Blanket) fuels, the CEA program DIAMINO aims to assess the influence of americium content and microstructure on helium release and fuel swelling. For DIAMINO experiment, four sets of U1-xAmxO2±δ ceramic fuels, namely two compositions (x = 0.075, 0.15) and two microstructures (highly dense: > 95%TD, and highly porous: < 85%TD), were produced in the ATALANTE facility following innovative preparation methods. Pellets were further characterized by several techniques and were all found to be in full compliance with the strict specifications required for such irradiation programs.