The anisotropic growth morphology and microstructure of plutonium hydride reaction sites

Plutonium hydride reaction sites grown on δ-stabilised plutonium alloy have been investigated by a combination of scanning electron microscopy, ion beam milling and cross sectional polishing. The reaction sites are oblate and results indicate that this may be the consequence of failure of the native...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of nuclear materials 2016-02, Vol.469, p.145-152
Main Authors: Brierley, Martin, Knowles, John Philip, Sherry, Andrew, Preuss, Michael
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anisotropic growth
Anisotropy
Corrosion
Cross sections
Growth mechanism
Hydrides
Microstructure
Nuclear engineering
Oxides
Plutonium
Plutonium hydride
Reactions (nuclear)
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Summary:Plutonium hydride reaction sites grown on δ-stabilised plutonium alloy have been investigated by a combination of scanning electron microscopy, ion beam milling and cross sectional polishing. The reaction sites are oblate and results indicate that this may be the consequence of failure of the native oxide over the metal surrounding the hydride sites. The interior of the hydride reaction sites has a significantly modified microstructure to that of the surrounding metal. Growth of the hydride into the plutonium metal appears to have a strong relationship with the metallurgical features, causing a discontinuous interface. Possible models for anisotropic growth and formation of a discontinuous interface are discussed. [Display omitted] •Hydride reaction sites of plutonium were subjected to a full metallographic analysis.•Anisotropic growth at the surface was observed with an average 2.2 lateral to penetrative growth ratio.•Microstructural details of the discontinuous growth interface were obtained.•Mechanisms for anisotropic growth and discontinuous interface formation are suggested.
ISSN:0022-3115
1873-4820
DOI:10.1016/j.jnucmat.2015.11.054