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Amorphous structure of metamict minerals observed by TEM

Nature volume 293, pages 449–450 (1981)Cite this article

Abstract

Metamict minerals are a special class of materials which were initially crystalline but have become amorphous because of accumulated structural damage caused by the radioactive decay of their constituent U and Th nuclides1–3. Damage from α particles and recoil nuclei may cause dramatic changes in physical, chemical, mechanical and structural properties of materials4–6. Thus, metamict minerals provide a natural example of the potential long-term effects of radiation damage in proposed crystalline radioactive waste forms7, such as the Sandia ceramic waste forms8–10, SYNROC11–13, super-calcine14 or the tailored ceramics15. The determination of the microstructures of metamict materials, therefore, may help to predict long-term radiation effects in crystalline waste forms. This report presents the results of an examination by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of a wide range of metamict silicate and complex Nb–Ta–Ti oxide minerals.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87185, USA

    T. J. Headley

  2. Department of Geology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, USA

    Rodney C. Ewing & Richard F. Haaker

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  1. T. J. Headley
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  2. Rodney C. Ewing
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  3. Richard F. Haaker
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Headley, T., Ewing, R. & Haaker, R. Amorphous structure of metamict minerals observed by TEM. Nature 293, 449–450 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1038/293449a0

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