Crystal chemistry and phase relations in the fluorite and monazite structure-type phases of tailored nuclear waste ceramics

Solid solutions of oxides of uranium, zirconium, the rare earths and other actinides may form a phase of the fluorite structure-type. This phase is common to many crystalline and vitreous nuclear waste forms. A generic study of the fluorite-structured phase was conducted. Work was done with an emphasis on the Supercalcine-Ceramics developed at The Pennsylvania State University but the results are relevant to other waste forms. Applications to radioactive waste management and the tailoring or Supercalcine-Ceramics are discussed