Systematic experimental studies of actinide-doped and ion beam-irradiated pyrochlore, analyses of natural U- and Th-bearing pyrochlore, and simulations of the energetics of the disordering process provide a rather detailed understanding of the structural and chemical controls on the response of pyrochlore to radiation. These results provide a solid basis for predicting the behavior and durability of pyrochlore used to immobilize plutonium. Link provided leads to abstract only. Full article available for purchase from Scitation.

Citation: Ewing, R.C., Weber, W. J., and Lian, J.. "Nuclear waste disposal—pyrochlore (A2B2O7): Nuclear waste form for the immobilization of plutonium and "minor" actinides." Journal of Applied Physics 95(11) June 2004: 5949-5971.

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