Progress towards waterproofing uranium nitride
Uranium mononitride (UN) is a promising, high-uranium-density fuel because of its good thermal properties and performance during irradiation and has been considered as a potential replacement for uranium(IV) oxide (UO2) in commercial light water reactors. Despite these advantages, limitations are observed when the coolant comes in contact with the fuel, e.g. breach of cladding, resulting in degradation of the fuel. Research focused on continuing work from FY18 that examined the feasibility of UN-UO2 composites for UN waterproofing purposes. Steam oxidation testing of candidate waterproofing additive materials was performed to evaluate the corrosion resistance of these materials. Composite pellets were also pressed and heated to examine chemical compatibility with UN.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)
- DOE Contract Number:
- 89233218CNA000001
- OSTI ID:
- 1561054
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR-19-28720; TRN: US2100590
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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