Pu and Gd chemistry of zirconolite polytypes in a titanate ceramic

Titanate-based ceramics are being developed as possible candidates for immobilizing excess plutonium from dismantled nuclear weapons. Evidence from testing of similar ceramics and natural analogues suggests that this material is very resistant to aqueous corrosion. The purpose of this work is to describe the phase(s) present in these ceramics. In particular the authors are interested in the disposition of important elements such as Pu and Gd (to be incorporated into the wasteform as a neutron absorber). In concert with data from corrosion tests, this characterization will allow one to describe the release behaviors of important elements from this type of ceramic. This is particularly difficult and important due to the heterogeneous nature of the material.