Preparation of High Density Uranium Nitride and Uranium Carbonitride Fuel Pellets

Abstract

Uranium nitride and uranium carbonitride fuel pellets were prepared for irradiation in the Japan Material Testing Reactor. The pellets are 6.9 mm in diameter and 7 mm long, and are of natural and 5% enriched uranium. Uranium nitride powder was prepared from uranium metal via hydride and higher nitride. Uranium carbide powder was prepared from uranium metal by hydriding and then reacting with propane. The lowest possible reaction temperatures were selected to obtain fine and reactive powders. Uranium nitride and mixed powders of different ratios (UC: UN = 1: 3, 1:1 and 3: 1) were cold pressed without binder. Sintering was carried out in a tungsten crucible in vacuum (10~4 mmHg) for 2 hr at 1,900°–2,000°C. The density of the pellets obtained was in the range of 90~95% of the theoretical value with an oxygen content of 1,300~2,100 ppm. No second phase, such as metallic uranium, were observed in the specimens, either by metallography or X-ray diffraction. These pellets of unexpectedly high density without sec...