Fuel/target concepts for transmutation of actinides

Four different concepts for fuels and targets for transmutation of (minor) actinides are discussed in the present paper. These include thorium-based mixed oxides, inert matrix mixed oxide, and composites based on mixtures oxide powders (CERCER) or mixtures of oxide and metal powders (CERMET). Fabrication methods have been investigated, especially taking account of the specific requirements for handling significant quantities of minor actinides (dust-free processes, remote handling). The processes tested at ITU are based on sol-gel and infiltration (INRAM) techniques or combination thereof. The processes are being validated first using cerium and then plutonium as simulant for the minor actinides, before the actual fabrication of Am- and Cm-containing materials begins in earnest following the completion of the construction of specially designed shielded cells (the MA-lab). (author)