STEAM SINTERING OF URANIUM DIOXIDE
The following variables wvere considered in an investigation of the sintering of uranium dioxide: (I) sintering aids, i.e., small additions of substances that might aid the densification process, (2) soaking temperature, (3) soaking time, (4) furnace atmosphere, and (5) particle size of the uranium dioxide. The incipient sintering temperature, the effect of binders, and the effect of fabricating pressure also were determined. The data obtained in the investigation led to the following optimum conditions for obtaining dense UO/sub 2/ by cold pressing and sintering: (1) preparing the UO/sub 2/ as a submicron powder but not fine enough to be pyrophoric, (2) cold pressing at 20 to 30 tons per sq. in. without the use of organic binders, (3) using the following sintering schedule: (a) in H/sub 2/ to 1400 deg C, (b) in steam or a wet inert gas from 1400 to 1500 deg C, (c) in steam or a wet inert gas at 1500 deg C for a 1-hour soak, and (d) cooling in H/sub 2/ from 1500 deg C to room temperature. By following this procedure, pellets of UO/sub 2/(3/8 in. in diameter by 1/4 in. high) were obtained that were 97 to 98% of theoretical density. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Illinois Inst. of Tech., Chicago
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- NSA Number:
- NSA-12-009547
- OSTI ID:
- 4328146
- Journal Information:
- Journal of the American Ceramic Society (U.S.), Journal Name: Journal of the American Ceramic Society (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 41; ISSN JACTA
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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