Application of TXRF for burn leach test of TRISO coated UO2 particles

A Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF) methodology, employing burn-leach test, was developed to assess the quality of SiC layer in tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated UO2 particles prepared in BARC. The coated particles were heated at 1,123 K for about 96 h to constant weight. The calcined particles, thus obtained, were then heated in suprapure concentrated nitric acid. The supernatant was analysed for trace elements by TXRF. No uranium was detected in this supernatant solution. The study demonstrates the good quality of SiC layer and applicability of TXRF for burn leach test of TRISO coated UO2 particles prepared. (author)