Vacuum Induction Melting and Casting Of Thorium and Thorium-Uranium Alloys

Technical Report · Mon Oct 30 04:00:00 EST 1961

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4836656· OSTI ID:4836656

Katz, N. H. ^[1]; Kendall, E. G. ^[1]; Binstock, M. H. ^[1]

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1. North American Aviation, Inc., Canoga Park, CA (United States). Atomics International Div.

Refractory-oxide-coated graphite was investigated as a crucible material for producing Th-U castings. Oxides of Y, Th, Zr, and Be were applied to graphite crucibles by wash-coating and, when possible, by flame-spraying. Thorium as well as alloys of Th 1- to 13-wt% U were prepared by vacuum induction casting. The castings were evaluated on the basis of number and intensity of surface and internal defects, homogeneity of composition, and metallurgical properties. Effectiveness of the refractory oxide coating was measured in terms of crucible attack and degree of carbon contamination in the Th-U castings. Best results were obtained with wash-coatings of Y₂O₃ and ZrO₂ and a flame-sprayed coating of ZrO₂. ThO₂ was found to be unsuitable and BeO required additional investigation.

• Research Organization: North American Aviation, Inc., Canoga Park, CA (United States). Atomics International Div.
• Sponsoring Organization: US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
• DOE Contract Number: AT(11-1)-GEN-8
• NSA Number: NSA-16-000495
• OSTI ID: 4836656
• Report Number(s): NAA-SR--5833
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
BERYLLIUM OXIDES
CASTING
COATING
CONTAMINATION
CORROSION
CRUCIBLES
DEFECTS
GRAPHITE
INDUCTION
MELTING
TESTING
THORIUM
THORIUM ALLOYS
THORIUM OXIDES
URANIUM ALLOYS
VACUUM
YTTRIUM OXIDES
ZIRCONIUM OXIDES