U{sup 6+}-phases are common alteration products, under oxidizing conditions, of uraninite and the UO{sub 2} in spent nuclear fuel. These U{sup 6+}-phases are subjected to a radiation field caused by the {alpha}-decay of U, or in the case of spent nuclear fuel, incorporated actinides, such as {sup 239}Pu and {sup 237}Np. In order to evaluate the effects of {alpha}-decay events on the stability of the U{sup 6+}-phases, the results of ion beam irradiations (1.0 MeV Kr{sup 2+}) of U{sup 6+}-phases are reported for the first time.

Citation: Utsunomiya, S., Ewing, R.C., Wang, L. United States. Yucca Mountain Project. Induced Decomposition of U(VI) Phase to Nanocrystals of UO2. Washington, D.C.: Department of Energy, June 2005.

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