PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF ALUMINUM-35 w/o URANIUM ALLOYS CONTAINING UP TO 3 w/o TIN OR ZIRCONIUM

The effects of ternary additions of up to 3 wt.% Sn or Zr to an Al-35 wt.% U extrusion alloy were evaluated on the basis of casting characteristics, UAl/sub 3/ retention, extrusion behavior, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance. Both additions increased the fluidity of the alloy, and both promoted retention of UAl/sub 3/. The best fluidity was obtained by a 2 wt.% Sn addition, while Zr was the more effective stabilizer of UAl/sub 3/. The retention of UAl/sub 3/ decreased the extrusion pressure needed for fabrication and caused a corresponding decrease in tensile and creep-rupture properties. Reductions in strength were most noticeable at elevated temperatures. The 1000- hr stress-rupture strength of the binary alloy at 200 deg C (8300 psi) was approximately 25 and 11% higher, respectively, than the alloys containing 3 wt.% tin (6200 psi and 3 wt.% zirconium (7400 psi). The additions either slightly improved or had no effect upon the resistance of the Al-35 wt.% alloy in 150 deg C demineralized water. (auth