Radioactive heat source and method of making same

Patent · Mon Jan 03 23:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:7223591

Elsner, N B

A radioactive source of heat which is resistant to cremation conditions is made by encapsulating a radioisotope within a containment vessel and forming a refractory metal silicide diffusion coating exterior thereof. A secondary molybdenum vessel may be provided with a molybdenum silicide coating and then heated in air to oxidize its outer layer. A layer is applied exterior of the diffusion-coating which provides a continuous ceramic oxide layer upon subjection to cremation. This outer layer may be discrete silica carried in a hardenable binder of an organic polymer, and a minor amount of antimony is preferably also included.

• Assignee: General Atomic Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 4001588
• OSTI ID: 7223591
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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