Reactive sintering of U0.85Am0.15O2−x blanket fuels in various oxygen potentials

Abstract

The effect of oxygen potential on the sintering behaviour of U1−yAmyO2−x (y=0.15) has been studied. Sintering tests were performed in an Ar–4% H2 atmosphere with various partial pressures of oxygen. It has been shown that the density is significantly affected by the sintering atmosphere. A density higher than 93±0.5% has been achieved at −390kJmol−1. Pore morphology varies from an open to a closed type as the oxygen potential increases.