Alternative Crucibles for U-Mo Microwave Melting
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
The crucibles used currently for microwave melting of U-Mo alloy at the Y-12 Complex contain silicon carbide (SiC) in a mullite (3Al2O3-2SiO2) matrix with an erbia coating in contact with the melt. Due to observed silicon contamination, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has investigated alternative crucible materials that are susceptible to microwave radiation and are chemically compatible with molten U-Mo at 1400 1500C. Recommended crucibles for further testing are: 1) high-purity alumina (Al2O3); 2) yttria-stabilized zirconia (ZrO2); 3) a composite of alumina and yttria-stabilized zirconia; 4) aluminum nitride (AlN). Only AlN does not require an erbia coating. The recommended secondary susceptor, for heating at low temperature, is SiC in a “picket fence” arrangement.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 1400354
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-26479; DN2006000; TRN: US1800573
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Energy and environmental research emphasizing low-rank coal: Task 6.2. Joining of advanced structural materials
Sol-gel processing and crystallization of yttrium aluminosilicates. Final report