IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO THE PREPARATION OF URANIUM MONOCARBIDE POWDER
A process is given for obtaining a sinterable powder of pure UC. The process comprises a series of two treatments: carburization of U powder with a gaseous hydrocarbon at <950 deg C until the carbon content in the powder corresponds to UC (4.8% C), and heat treatment of the carburized powder without hydrocarbon at <950 deg C to transform it into pure UC by diffusion of C. The carburizing hydrocarbon is preferably methane, butane, or propane. The best conditions for the process are: fine particle size of initial U powder (1 to 100 mu ), continuous stirring of the powder during the reaction, rapid elevation of temperature to 700 to 900 deg C for the reaction in argon or vacuum, carburization for 1 to 2 hr with an amount of hydrocarbon at least 10 times the stoichiometric amount, diffusion treatment for 3 to 5 hr, and cooling in argon or vacuum. An apparatus is described for stirring the powder. (D.L.C.)
- Research Organization:
- Originating Research Org. not identified
- NSA Number:
- NSA-18-020467
- OSTI ID:
- 4013633
- Report Number(s):
- GB 955708
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Language:
- English
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IMPROVEMENTS IN METHODS FOR MAKING URANIUM MONOCARBIDE ARTICLES
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