Open AccessSynthesis and Optimization of the Sintering Kinetics of Actinide Nitrides
Author(s) -
Drryl P. Butt,
Brian J. Jaques
Publication year - 2009
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/953344
Subject(s) - pellets , actinide , nitride , sintering , materials science , uranium , plutonium , cerium , ceramic , dysprosium , metallurgy , nuclear engineering , nuclear chemistry , nanotechnology , inorganic chemistry , chemistry , engineering , composite material , layer (electronics)
Research conducted for this NERI project has advanced the understanding and feasibility of nitride nuclear fuel processing. In order to perform this research, necessary laboratory infrastructure was developed; including basic facilities and experimental equipment. Notable accomplishments from this project include: the synthesis of uranium, dysprosium, and cerium nitrides using a novel, low-cost mechanical method at room temperature; the synthesis of phase pure UN, DyN, and CeN using thermal methods; and the sintering of UN and (Ux, Dy1-x)N (0.7 ≤ X ≤ 1) pellets from phase pure powder that was synthesized in the Advanced Materials Laboratory at Boise State University