| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2022 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Late News Poster Session
|
| Presentation Title |
N-42: Fabrication and Phase Analysis of U<sub>3</sub>Si<sub>2</sub> and UB<sub>2</sub> Fuel Composites with Al and Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> Strengthening Additions |
| Author(s) |
Geronimo Robles, Joshua White, Elizabeth Sooby |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Geronimo Robles |
| Abstract Scope |
High uranium density fuels (HDF) composites candidates such as U<sub>3</sub>Si<sub>2</sub> and UB<sub>2</sub> have been investigated as drop-in replacement of UO<sub>2</sub> in LWR’s for their superior uranium density and thermal conductivity. These properties benefit fuel structural stability, economy, and safety. But the energetic pulverization of U<sub>3</sub>Si<sub>2</sub> in high temperature water bearing atmospheres and the low radiation tolerance of UB<sub>2</sub> have slowed their advancement. However, as a composite, the oxidation onset temperature of U<sub>3</sub>Si<sub>2</sub> has been delayed significantly with the addition of UB<sub>2</sub> at concentrations <10wt%.
The work presented investigates the microstructure and phase distribution of U<sub>3</sub>Si<sub>2</sub>-UB<sub>2</sub> HDF composites with Al and Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> additions. Al is selected for properties shown to improve oxidation resistance and Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> is employed as an ODS component improving toughness. Fabricability challenges for each composition is then compared and evaluated. Each composition is characterized via SEM/EDS and p-XRD establishing a baseline for microstructural evolution in future oxidation testing. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |
| Keywords |
Nuclear Materials, High-Temperature Materials, Composites |