Grain boundary enhanced UN and U3Si2 pellets with improved oxidation resistance
US11145425B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2019 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 10, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of forming a water resistant boundary on a fissile material for use in a water cooled nuclear reactor is described. The method comprises mixing a powdered fissile material selected from the group consisting of UN and U3Si2 with an additive selected from oxidation resistant materials having a melting or softening point lower than the sintering temperature of the fissile material, pressing the mixed fissile and additive materials into a pellet, sintering the pellet to a temperature greater than the melting point of the additive. Alternatively, if the melting point of the oxidation resistant particles is greater than the sintering temperature of UN or U3Si2, then the oxidation resistant particles can have a particle size distribution less than that of the UN or U3Si2.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.