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

CARBIDE FUEL DEVELOPMENT. Progress Report for Period of September 15, 1959 to January 31, 1960

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4196278· OSTI ID:4196278
A 6 lb batch of good quality UC was synthesized by the UO/sub 2/--carbon reaction. Pellets with densities up to 13.0 g/cc, or 95% of theoreticial, were produced by cold pressing and sintering. Hot pressing of UC powder in an aluminum nitride die, rather than graphite die, reduced the reaction with the die material by a considerabie factor. Promising results were obtained by limited efforts on the synthesis of UC by the ammonium diuranate--carbon reaction, and the simultaneous reacting and hot pressing of U metal and carbon. Specimens for compatibility tests between UC and prospective cladding materials (Type 304 SS, 2 1/2% Cr--1% Mo, Inconel X, niobium, beryllium, and Zircaloy-2) were assembled and are being tested at 820 deg C. The design of irradiation capsules was completed. Dissolution studies of unirradiated UC with simulated fission products showed that 99.97% U recovery is possible. (For preceding period see NDA-2140-2.) (W.L.H.)
Research Organization:
Carborundum Co., Niagara Falls, N.Y.
NSA Number:
NSA-14-011900
OSTI ID:
4196278
Report Number(s):
NDA-2145-1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English