KARAKTERISASI LAPISAN PENYERAP DAPAT BAKAR PADA PERMUKAAN PELET UO2 + DOPAN TiO2

Abstract

Burnable absorber layer on the surface of UO₂ + doped TiO₂ pellets have successfully created using RF sputtering methods. The objective of this research is to obtain of microstructure characters of UO₂ + doped TiO₂ pellets, thickness, micro hardness, chemical composition and crystal structure of burnable absorber layer on the surface of UO₂ pellets. The methods used are the microstructure and layer thickness using optical microscopy, layer hardness with micro Vickers hardness method, chemical composition by XRF spectrometry, and crystal structure by X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the larger of TiO₂ content in the pellets then the greater of the grain size in the microstructure of the pellets and the thicker of the layer formed on the surface of UO₂ pellets. The hardness of surface layer of UO₂ + doped TiO₂ sintered pellets are equal and does not depend on the dopant concentration of TiO₂. The surface layer of UO₂ + 0.3 % TiO₂, UO₂ + 0.5 % TiO₂ and UO₂ + 0.7 % TiO₂ sintered pellets are containing zirconium respectively 1.97 mg, 2.47 mg and 4.81 mg. Burnable absorber layer on the surface of UO₂ + doped TiO₂ sintered pellets have ZrB₂ phase with a hexagonal crystal structure.