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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

METHOD OF INCREASING THE DISPERSIBILITY OF SLURRY PARTICLES

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4095640

A method for treating thorium oxide particles and other refractory metal oxide particles (titanium, uranium, zirconium, and magnesium) for increased dispersibility in aqueous slurries is outlined in which the oxide particles are coated with an organo-silicon compound and then fired at 600 to 1200 deg C to decompose the compound, leaving silica bonded to the particles. A preferred organo-silicon compound is G.E. Dryfilm SC-77 which may be deposited on the oxide particles via the vapor phase, although others, including ammonium silicon compounds. can be used. If the thorium oxide slurries are to be used in a reactor, the chloride content resulting from the method must be removed. Data are presented for the effects of silica coatings at various firing temperatures on thorium oxide particle dimensions and slurry properties together with an example of the method in which thorium oxide is exposed to the vapors of a dimethyldichlorosilane-methyltrichlorosilane mixture and then fired, the consequent chloride contamination being removed by NH/sub 3/ and water washing. (D.L.C.)

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-15-006365
OSTI ID:
4095640
Report Number(s):
GB 851983
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English