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Self-healing behavior in zirconia may lead to radiation-resistant materials for nuclear plants

A new computer simulation by a cientist of Indian origin has revealed that a self-healing ehavior in zirconia, a common ceramic, may lead to development f radiation-resistant materials for nuclear power plants and aste storage.

Washington, April 20 : A new computer simulation by a cientist of Indian origin has revealed that a self-healing ehavior in zirconia, a common ceramic, may lead to development f radiation-resistant materials for nuclear power plants and aste storage.

The discovery was made by Ram Devanathan and Bill Weber, esearchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest ational Laboratory (PNNL), who found that the restless movement f oxygen atoms heals radiation-induced damage in the engineered eramic yttria-stabilized zirconia.

The researchers approached their investigation in three steps.

First, they analyzed yttria-stabilized zirconia, a compound of ttrium and zirconium oxides that contains random structural efects called "vacancies." The defects occur because yttrium has smaller electrical charge than zirconium.

To correct the charge imbalance, zirconia gives up oxygen atoms. ut the loss of these oxygen atoms leaves empty oxygen sites. The emaining oxygen atoms constantly jump in and out of those sites.

Next, the scientists simulated an atom undergoing alpha decay. An lpha particle shoots out of the atomic nucleus with such force hat the remainder of the atom recoils in the opposite direction. he recoiling atom can cause significant damage to surrounding tomic structures.

Finally, the researchers used data analysis algorithms developed t PNNL to look for atoms knocked out of place.

The results showed that displaced oxygen atoms in the yttria-tabilized zirconia "found seats" in the pre-existing vacancies hroughout the ceramic.

Although the self-healing activity does not completely repair the aterial, the defects are less apt to cause problems because they re spread out. This characteristic indicates that yttria-tabilized zirconia, which is used today in such items as solid xide fuel cells and oxygen sensors, might be suitable for uclear applications.

"If you want a material to withstand radiation over millennia, ou can't expect it to just sit there and take it. There must be mechanism for self-healing," said Devanathan.

"This research raises the possibility of engineering mobile efects in ceramics to enhance radiation tolerance," said Weber.

According to Weber, materials capable of handling high-radiation oses also could improve the durability of key equipment and educe the costs of replacements.

The researchers also simulated the impact of radiation on zircon, ceramic that is a candidate for immobilizing high-level nuclear aste.

The scientists now are refining the simulations and applying them o other materials.

ANI