INVESTIGATION OF THE REDUCTION PROCESS OF URANIUM OXIDE UO3 TO UO2 FOR CERAMIC NUCLEAR FUEL PRODUCTION

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Abstract

This study investigates the effects of temperature and duration on the thermal reduction of uranium trioxide (UO3) to uranium dioxide (UO2) in hydrogen atmosphere for producing powdered precursors of ceramic nuclear fuel. X-ray diffraction analysis established optimal processing parameters of 500°C and 180 minutes holding time to achieve the target phase composition and stoichiometric uranium dioxide ratio. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction demonstrated that extended holding times do not induce crystallite or secondary agglomerate growth (DXRD = 13.4–16.1 nm). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed achievement of the target stoichiometric composition and established uranium reduction efficiency of 82–83%. The uranium dioxide produced under optimized conditions demonstrates suitability for manufacturing ceramic nuclear fuel with superior mechanical properties via spark plasma sintering technology.

About the authors

N. P Ivanov

Far Eastern Federal University; Sakhalin State University

Email: ivanov.np@dvfu.ru
Vladivostok, Russia; Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia

O. O Shichalin

Far Eastern Federal University; Sakhalin State University

Vladivostok, Russia; Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia

D. K Tsygankov

Far Eastern Federal University

Vladivostok, Russia

A. V Shurygin

Far Eastern Federal University

Vladivostok, Russia

K. V Barkhudarov

Far Eastern Federal University; Far Eastern Geological Institute, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Vladivostok, Russia; Vladivostok,Russia

A. O Lembikov

Far Eastern Federal University

Vladivostok, Russia

V. L Rastorguev

Far Eastern Federal University

Vladivostok, Russia

S. A Azon

Far Eastern Federal University

Vladivostok, Russia

I. Yu Buravlev

Far Eastern Federal University

Vladivostok, Russia

I. G Tananaev

Far Eastern Federal University; Kola Science Center, Tananaev Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Rare Elements and Mineral Raw Materials, Russian Academy of Sciences

Vladivostok, Russia; Apatity, Russia

E. K Papynov

Far Eastern Federal University

Vladivostok, Russia

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