Preparation of uranium fuel kernels with silicon carbide nanoparticles using the internal gelation process

• Published in: Journal of nuclear materials 2012-08, Vol.427 (1-3), p.245-248
• Main Authors: Hunt, R.D., Silva, G.W.C.M., Lindemer, T.B., Anderson, K.K., Collins, J.L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Controled nuclear fusion plants; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Fission nuclear power plants; Fuels; Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy; Nuclear fuels; Preparation and processing of nuclear fuels
• ISSN: 0022-3115; 1873-4820
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jnucmat.2012.04.027

The US Department of Energy continues to use the internal gelation process in its preparation of tristructural isotropic coated fuel particles. The focus of this work is to develop uranium fuel kernels with adequately dispersed silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles, high crush strengths, uniform particle diameter, and good sphericity. During irradiation to high burnup, the SiC in the uranium kernels will serve as getters for excess oxygen and help control the oxygen potential in order to minimize the potential for kernel migration. The hardness of SiC required modifications to the gelation system that was used to make uranium kernels. Suitable processing conditions and potential equipment changes were identified so that the SiC could be homogeneously dispersed in gel spheres. Finally, dilute hydrogen rather than argon should be used to sinter the uranium kernels with SiC.