Intensive Study of Ceria Microsphere Stabilized with Zirconia by The External Gelatin Method

Abstract

Abstract One of the keys to success in the process of fuel synthesis for pebble type high temperature nuclear reactors is mastery in kernel synthesis technology which is the core of the fuel itself. In this paper, the results of a comprehensive study of the preparation of a kernel microsphere from ceria stabilized zirconia (CSZ) using the external gelatin method in BATAN will be discussed. Important parameters obtained from this experiment will be the basis for the actual manufacturing of nuclear fuel kernels. Analysis based on measurement data using the Small Angle Neutron Spectrometer (SANS) provides a deep understanding of the mechanism of CSZ microsphere formation, so that at the end it can provide an understanding of how to avoid possible cracks during heat treatment.