Study of the dip coating of uranium sheet with aluminum-silicon alloy
A single-dip process for coating uranium sheet with aluminum-12.5 w/o silicon alloy has been developed. The technique consists of directly dipping uranium plate at a rate of approximately 0.6 in. per s into a molten aluminum-silicon bath for about 15 s at 585/sup 0/C. Pretreatment of the slugs consists of sand or vapor blasting, nitric acid etching, and drying. A study of dipping conditions indicated that a minimum thickness of intermetallics is obtained by dipping at 585/sup 0/C and for the shortest time commensurate with good operation (about 15 s with 3 x 1 x 0.1-in. specimens). Raising the bath temperature or increasing the immersion time increases the thickness of the brittle intermetallic zone. Additions of copper or magnesium to the bath, which permitted dipping at as low as 570/sup 0/C, actually increased the thickness of the intermetallic zone. Similarly, small additions, of beryllium, iron, misch metal (cerium and lanthanum), and nickel to the aluminum-12.5 w/o silicon bath did not reduce the thickness of the intermetallic zones. The ductility of the aluminum-silicon coatings was evaluated by bend tests. Coatings formed at 585/sup 0/C by 15 s immersion in the aluminum-silicon bath could be bent over a 1-1/2-in. radius without any evidence of coating failure. With sharper bends the first evidence of failure was noted in the brittle UAl/sub 2/ intermetallic zone. Corrosion tests in boiling water indicate that with optimum conditions, an aluminum-silicon coating can be produced which provides considerable protection to the uranium.
- Research Organization:
- Battelle Memorial Inst., Columbus, OH (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-92
- OSTI ID:
- 5386785
- Report Number(s):
- BMI-898; ON: TI85017132
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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