Mechanism of decomposition of UO2(NO3)2·6H2O + Fe(NO3)3·9H2O mixture under the action of microwave radiation

Abstract

Products of decomposition of the UO2(NO3)2·6H2O + Fe(NO3)3·9H2O mixture under the action of microwave radiation (MWR) were studied by thermal gravimetric, X-ray phase, and chemical analyses. The results obtained were compared to the published data for various U and Fe compounds. The final products of decomposition of the UO2(NO3)2·6H2O + Fe(NO3)3·9H2O mixture under the action of MWR for 3–5 min (the maximal temperature of the process, equal to 140–150°, is attained within 2–3 min of irradiation), apart from gaseous products, are UO2(OH)NO3, UO3, and Fe2O3. The action of MWR on the UO2(NO3)2·6H2O + Fe(NO3)3·9H2O mixture under the examined conditions does not lead to the formation of uranyl ferrite.