Method for the manufacture of cermets for isotopic sources, and products thus obtained

Patent · Mon Feb 26 04:00:00 EST 1973

OSTI ID:4142252

Georgeoni, P; Lorenzelli, R; Marin, J F

A method is described for the manufacture of cermets formed of PuO$sub 2$ and a refractory metal, said method comprising the steps of preparing calibrated balls of $sup 238$PuO$sub 2$ of from 50 to 100 microns, coating the balls with a binder then with a refractory metal, and sintering the thus coated balls in an inert or reducing atmosphere or in vacuo, at a temperature of from 1500 to 1750 deg C. This method comprises an $sup 18$O depletion step carried out through isotopic exchange with $sup 16$O in the gaseous form. The thus obtained cermets can be validly applied as energy sources, in particular for cardiac pacemakers. (FR)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-33-012563
• OSTI ID: 4142252
• Report Number(s): FR 2219131 A
• Country of Publication: France
• Language: French

Related Subjects

*CARDIAC PACEMAKERS-- RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
*PLUTONIUM 238-- RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
*PLUTONIUM DIOXIDE-- FABRICATION
360201* --Materials--Ceramics
Cermets & Refractories-- Preparation & Fabrication
CERMETS
N47200 --Isotope & Radiation Source Technology--Isotopic Power Sources
N50120* --Metals
Ceramics
& Other Materials--Ceramics & Cermets--Preparation & Fabrication
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems