Reproducible fabrication of PuO/sub 2/ fuel

Journal Article · Wed Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1977 · Mater. Res. Bull.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0025-5408(77)90067-8· OSTI ID:7285994

Smith, P K; Bickford, D F; Rankin, D T

PuO/sub 2/ fuel pellets with stable microstructures at 80 to 90 percent theoretical density for use at temperatures up to 1400/sup 0/C can be fabricated by a granulation and hot pressing process. Three interdependent factors which must be controlled for reproducible fabrication of microstructure and density to +-0.5 percent are: particle size and morphology of plutonium oxalate precipitate, particle size of calcined PuO/sub 2/ powder after ball milling, and temperature at which granules made from milled powder are presintered prior to hot pressing. Relationships are presented between each of these factors and their effect on the density and integrity of the fuel form.

• Research Organization: Du Pont de Nemours (E.I.) and Co., Aiken, SC
• OSTI ID: 7285994
• Journal Information: Mater. Res. Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Mater. Res. Bull.; (United States) Vol. 12:6; ISSN MRBUA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

050700 -- Nuclear Fuels-- Fuels Production & Properties
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360201* -- Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories-- Preparation & Fabrication
ACTINIDE COMPOUNDS
CHALCOGENIDES
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
FABRICATION
FUEL PELLETS
HOT PRESSING
MATERIALS WORKING
MICROSTRUCTURE
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PELLETS
PLUTONIUM COMPOUNDS
PLUTONIUM OXIDES
PRESSING
TRANSURANIUM COMPOUNDS