Zirconia-based matrices for actinide management in recycling LWR claddings

We are investigating the use of Light Water Reactor claddings as precursor materials in zirconia-based matrices for the conditioning and transmutation/burning of actinides. This study examined two un-irradiated zirconium-rich claddings: Zircaloy-4 and M5®. After complete oxidation and characterization, both materials were converted into Yttria Cubic-Stabilized-Zirconia (YSZ) and pyrochlore (Nd$_2$Zr$_2$O$_7$), with neodymium used as a surrogate for actinides. We present preliminary results and discuss a potential scenario for an innovative back-end fuel cycle.