DIFFUSION CHARACTERISTICS OF THORIUM AND ALUMINIUM
Diffusion Characteristics were investigated between thorium and aluminum. The objective of the investigation was to develop information which might serve as a guide in the construction of asscmblies for a converter type of reactor utilizing aluminum-clad thorium plates. Extent of the diffusion was evaluated by a measurement of the thickness of the resulting diffusion layer formed between these two metals, in intimate contact, in vacuum. An appreciable amount of diffusion was observed between thorium and aluminum, particularly in the temperature range of 500 to 600 deg C. Barriers of aluminum -- silicon alloys were not effective in minimizing the diffusion. Alloying of the thorium with beryllium, zirconium, chromium, cerium, vanadium, molybdenum, niobium and tin was not beneficial in decreasing the extent of the diffusion. Alloying of the aluminum with beryllium, chromium, cerium, magnesium plus chromium (52 S) was likewise not effective in reducing the extent of diffusion. Barriers of magnesium and nickel, inserted between the thorium and aluminum seemed to have increased the extent of the diffusion. Barriers of zirconium and titanium foil appear to decrease the extent of diffusion at temperatures up to 500 deg C. At 600 deg C, the extent of diffusion between zirconium and aluminum is appreciable, while that of titanium and aluminum is somewhat less. Bonding of zirconium and titanium to thorium first occurs at 650 deg C. from 650 deg C to 850 deg C the extent of diffusion between thorium and zirconium or titanium is small. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., Tenn.
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-26
- NSA Number:
- NSA-12-001994
- OSTI ID:
- 4351863
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL-1774
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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