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MICROGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF URANIUM BY FORMATION OF EPITAXIC LAYERS BY ATMOSPHERIC AND ANODIC OXIDATION (in French)

Journal Article · · Metaux (Corrosion-Ind.)
OSTI ID:4312570
On an electrolytically polished surface of U, etched under low charge in an aceto-chromic electrolyte, it is possible to obtain layers of epitaxic oxide which reveal the relative orientation of the grain, of the macle, and of the band of deformation. This epitaxde oxidation can be obtained by air oxidation or by anodic oxidation. The results obtained by the two methods are equivalent. The advantage of the anodic oxidation is its rapidity and the absolute stability of the oxide layer. The layer of atmospheric oxide continues to grow and deviates in coloration more and more. The great sensitivity of the oxidation method allows the detection of weak disorientations in the case of polygonic structures. By this method a separate phase is shown by fine particles surrounded by areolas. This separate phase is almost uniquely concentrated on the boundary grains, on the subboundary of polygonization, and immediately over or under the macles. Finally the method also reveals the migrations of the grain boundaries. The weak variations of the substructure of U under prolonged irradiation in a reactor can be determined. (tr-auth)
Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-12-005315
OSTI ID:
4312570
Journal Information:
Metaux (Corrosion-Ind.), Journal Name: Metaux (Corrosion-Ind.) Vol. Vol: No. 375
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
French