Multimodal investigation of radiation induced defects network-lanthanides distribution in U-10Zr using X-ray nano-CT and XRF

In this proposal, we aim to use a combination of X-ray nano-CT and 3D X-ray nano-fluorescence (nano-XRF) to conduct a comprehensive multi-technique characterization of U-10Zr annular nuclear fuel, the main candidate for fourth generation nuclear fuels. By integrating X-ray 3D imaging to measure the phase morphology, distribution defects as nanopores with the chemical composition and lanthanides distribution data obtained from nano-XRF, we seek to gain insights into the mechanisms of Ln migration at the interface between the nuclear fuel and the cladding. This approach will allow us to better understand the Fuel Cladding Chemical Interaction (FCCI), providing valuable information on the behaviour and stability of nuclear fuels under operating conditions, and correlate the degradation (porosities) with the formation of intermetallic particles and lanthanides distribution.