Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 March 2011
Mechanical properties of YSZ doped with Np oxide were studied to investigate the sufficiency to be a waste form for immobilisation of highly concentrated TRU. The study was conducted focusing on Vickers (HV) and Knoop (HK) hardness, Young's modulus (E) and fracture toughness (KIC). The results showed that YSZ is harder and more resistant to elastic deformation and crack development than such waste forms as borosilicate glass and synroc. The effects of porosity and Np content on HV, HK, E and KIC are also discussed.