Alternative nuclear certified reference materials for safeguards and industry

Large-Sized Dried (LSD) spikes are Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) used in nuclear safeguards for accurate determination of nuclear material inventories by Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry (IDMS). They are a metrological quality tool to meet the existing requirements for reliable accountancy and verification measurements (IAEA STR-368). LSD spikes are produced by drying down accurately weighed quantities of uranium and plutonium nuclear reference solutions into vials. The dried deposits are not stable over time. To keep the spikes integrity and to prevent unintended losses of material, the CRMs need to be protected with a matrix or coating material. This substance is a critical component for the quality and long-term stability of these CRMs. IDMS relies on the mechanical integrity of the spikes; they need to be robust during transport and storage for their guaranteed life-time. The main requirements for coating materials are good adherence to glass, mechanical stability, resistance to radiation and long term stability. The material should furthermore, not interfere with the preparation and mass spectrometric measurements. Under the project "Innovative nuclear CRMs for EURATOM safeguards and industry" (INS-CRM), the JRC Directorate G for Nuclear Safety and Security examines alternative substances for coating spikes. The main candidate is CarboxyMethyl Cellulose (CMC) which seems to meet the requirements mentioned above. The goal of the project is to find the right methodology and composition for the preparation of the coatings. Additionally, the mechanical integrity needs to be proven under simulated transport and radiation conditions, and finally the spikes shelf life will be determined. Furthermore, to understand better the interaction between the matrix and the actinides, the structure and chemical properties have to be investigated using different analytical techniques. It is also planned to test several U/Pu ratios for CRMs suitable for different sample types. This paper reports on the current status of the project.

SANCHEZ HERNANDEZ Ana Maria;  TOTH Kalman;  AREGBE Yetunde;  BANIK Nidhu;  BAUWENS Jeroen;  BUDA Razvan;  BUJAK Renata;  CARLOS MARQUEZ Ramon;  CASTELEYN Karin;  DUINSLAEGER Lily;  HENNESSY Carmel;  JAKOPIC Rozle;  KEHOE Frances;  VAN BELLE Pieter;  ZULEGER Evelyn; 

2018-05-28

European Union

JRC110509

978-92-79-73861-6,   

1831-9424,   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC110509,   

10.2760/631364,