Method of making nuclear fuel compacts

Details Method of making nuclear fuel compacts Method of making nuclear fuel compacts

1988-12-29

1990-12-18

Lechert, Jr., Stephen J.

Plastic and nonmetallic article shaping or treating: processes

Shaping or treating radioactive material

376411, 376414, 376901, G21C 2100

Patent

active

049784803

ABSTRACT:
Nuclear fuel particles having fission-product-retentive characteristics are disclosed which are particularly adapted for the production of nuclear fuel compacts or nuclear fuel elements by combination with a matrix material having an acceptable nuclear properties and good thermal conductivity. Preferably, the outermost shell of the fission-product-retentive layer is formed of a refractory carbide, such as silicon carbide or zirconium carbide, and a thin overcoating material is applied thereto. When aluminum is employed as the matrix material, an overcoating of elemental silicon or elemental zirconium is used which is wet by the aluminum matrix. Silicon also forms a low melting eutectic alloy with the aluminum of the matrix that provides good lubricating properties--a particularly valuable feature when high pressure extrusion is used to form fuel elements. In addition, a strong chemical bond is formed between silicon and a refractory silicon carbide outer surface, resulting in an excellent heat flow path from the nuclear fuel to the boundary of the fuel element from which heat transfer occurs.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3945884 (1976-03-01), Freck
patent: 3992258 (1976-11-01), Tobin
patent: 3994822 (1976-11-01), DeBacci et al.
patent: 4006096 (1977-02-01), Forthmann et al.
patent: 4064204 (1977-12-01), Leary et al.

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