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The role of ternary alloying elements in eutectoid transformation of U10Mo alloy part I. Microstructure evolution during arc melting and subsequent homogenization annealing in U9.8Mo0.2 X alloy ( X = Cr, Ni, Co)

Journal Article · · Journal of Nuclear Materials
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  1. Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
  2. Univ. of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA (United States)

This paper describes the microstructural evolution in an alloy of uranium with 10 wt.% molybdenum (U10Mo), with minor addition of a third alloying element, namely, Cr, Ni, or Co, at 0.2 wt.%. The microstructures of arc-melted buttons in the as-cast condition show significant Mo segregation. The segregation behavior of Cr, Ni, and Co was investigated through detailed scanning electron microscope imaging. A homogenization heat treatment at 900°C for 48 h results in uniform Mo distribution and associated grain growth in all of the four alloys that were fabricated. Further, formation of multiple phases was noted in U-9.8 wt.% Mo-0.2 wt.% Ni and U-9.8 wt.% Mo-0.2 wt.% Co alloys after the homogenization annealing step. The greatest grain-boundary-initiated eutectoid transformation as measured by % volume fraction was observed when the homogenized U-9.8 wt.% Mo-0.2 wt.% Ni alloy was aged at 500°C for 20 h. The least eutectoid transformation occurred in U10Mo.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (NA-20)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
1457748
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 22752172
OSTI ID: 1691922
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA--132976; PII: S0022311518303829
Journal Information:
Journal of Nuclear Materials, Journal Name: Journal of Nuclear Materials Vol. 509; ISSN 0022-3115
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Cited By (1)


Figures / Tables (13)