PRODUCTION, PRECISION FORMING, AND SINTERING OF CERAMIC-GRADE UO$sub 2$
A process was developed for the consistent production of high-quality, sinterable UO/sub 2/ powder. The precision forming of the powder and sintering of the green compact to a high-density body were also studied. Ammonium diuranate was precipitated from solutions of uranyl fluoride and/or uranyl nitrats and then contiruously converted to UO/sub 2/ in a rotating kiln. By carefUlly maintaining control conditions throughout the process, the powder produced had the property of forming green compacts of various shapes at low forming pressures without the use of binders or lubricants. The compacts sintered to a high density ()94% of theoretieal) at moderate temperatares while maintaining clean, chip-free surfaces and edges. Close diameter tolerances, plus or minus 0.001 to plus or minus 0.003 inch (depending on size and shape), were met consistently without the use of a grinding operation. This departure from the conventional procedure (use of binders, lubricants, high forming pressures, and grinding to final dimensions) was developed with the aim of lowering production costs of sintered UO/sub 2/ shapes. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Union Carbide Nuclear Co. Y-12 Plant, Oak Ridge. Tenn.
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-26
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-018469
- OSTI ID:
- 4012913
- Report Number(s):
- Y-1301
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-61
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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