Densification of magnesia-based inert matrix fuels using asbestos waste-derived materials as a sintering additive

A new concept for densification of minor actinide-containing inert matrix fuels (IMFs) using asbestos waste-derived materials was proposed for the effective utilization of resources and health protection of the general public. In this concept, magnesium silicates, which are mainly generated by the decomposition of asbestos in low temperature heat-treatments, are used as a sintering additive to achieve high density magnesia (MgO) -based IMFs at relatively low sintering temperature. In the present study, preliminary fabrication tests of MgO-based IMFs with magnesium silicates were carried out using cerium oxide (CeO₂) as a representative of minor actinide oxides. The sintered densities of MgO-based IMFs increased with use of the additives. The sintering behavior of MgO-based IMFs with magnesium silicate additives was discussed from the viewpoints of the effects of magnesium silicates on the densification of the MgO and CeO₂.