Hydrolysis of thorium carbides
The effects of exposing compacts and powders of thorium monocarbide and dicarbide to laboratory air, water, and electrolyte solutions are summarized. The study has application to the fabrication of thorium-uranium carbide fuels and to their processing after irradiation. Results show that both thorium monocarbide and dicarbide readily hydrolyze on exposure to laboratory air. On hydrolysis both carbides exfoliate, increase in weight and produce a finely divided hydrolysis product, probably thorium dioxide. Solid, liquid, and gaseous hydrocarbon products were also produced, and hydrolysis was accompanied by a distinct hydrocarbon odor. Approximately 2 x 10/sup -3/ mole of hydrocarbon gas per gram of hydrolyzable thorium are evolved when lump samples of thorium carbide are hydrolyzed in water, acid, or alkali solutions at temperatures from 23 to 90 deg C; the total gas evolution was independent of temperature in this range. Since the hydrolysis is so rapid in air and water, fuels containing thorium carbide should be fabricated in an inert atmosphere and be clad to prevent hydrolysis on subsequent exposure to air. (N.W.R.)
- Research Organization:
- Australian Atomic Energy Commission Research Establishmetn, Lucas Heights, New South Wales
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- NSA Number:
- NSA-16-011646
- OSTI ID:
- 4808310
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Nuclear Materials, Journal Name: Journal of Nuclear Materials Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 5; ISSN 0022-3115
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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