Small angle X-ray scattering by TiO2/ZrO2 mixed oxide particles and a Synroc precursor

This high resolution small angle X-ray scattering study of a concentrated oxide sol, precursor of the SYNROC matrix for the storage of the high level radioactive waste, evidences a locally cylindrical microstructure. Locally, nanometric cylinders show disordered axis with some concentration dependent connections. This microstructure explains the paradoxal stability of this oxide dispersions upon the addition of concentrated acidic solutions. This stability has a steric origin and electrostatic repulsions are not needed. The addition of aluminium to the initial titanium-zirconium mixture enhances branching on the locally cylindrical microstructure. Finally, we show that the solid powder obtained after calcination (drying) of the sol has the same specific area (∼ 1000 m2/g) than the sol. (Author). 23 refs., 7 figs., 1 tab