OXIDATION RESISTANCE OF OXIDE-COATED UO$sub 2$ MICROSPHERES

Technical Report · Mon Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1963

OSTI ID:4721478

Cunningham, G W; Pfeifer, W H; Carmichael, D C; Hodge, E S

The mechanism and kinetics of oxidation of spherical UO/sub 2/ particles coated with Al/sub2/O/sub3/, BeO, and Mg0, were studied by thermogravimetric techniques. Metallographic and x-ray-diffraction data were obtained to support the conclusions. At temperatures below 1500 un. Concent 85% C, oxidation of Al/ sub 2/O/sub 3/-coated particles occurred by diffusion of oxygen through the coatings, partial oxidation to U/sub 3/O/sub 8/, and subsequent cracking and complete oxidation. Oxidation resistance of Al/sub 2/O/sub3/ particles coated at 1300 and 1400 un. Concent 85% C was superior to that of particles coated at 1000 un. Concent 85% C. Extrapolation of the measured data indicated that the particles coated at 1300 and 1400 un. Concent 85% C shouid have satisfactory oxidation resistance for several thousand hours at temperatures of 1100 un. Concent 85% C and iower. Beryllia-coated particles were also found to have good oxidation resistance at 1100 un. Concent 85% C, but BeO coated particies were more sensitive to thermal stresses than Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/-coated particles. Magnesia-coated particles failed due to thermal stresses at 800 to 900 un. Concent 85% C. (auth)

• Research Organization: Battelle Memorial Inst., Columbus, Ohio
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-92
• NSA Number: NSA-17-020401
• OSTI ID: 4721478
• Report Number(s): BMI-1625
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ALUMINUM OXIDES
BERYLLIUM OXIDES
COATING
CRACKS
DIFFRACTION
DIFFUSION
HIGH TEMPERATURE
MAGNESIUM OXIDES
METALLOGRAPHY
METALS, CERAMICS, AND OTHER MATERIALS
OXIDATION
OXIDES
REACTION KINETICS
SPHERES
STABILITY
THERMAL STRESSES
URANIUM DIOXIDE
URANIUM OXIDES
WEIGHT
X RADIATION