Microstructure characterization of as-fabricated and 475 degrees C annealed U-7 wt.% Mo dispersion fuel in Al-Si alloy matrix

    Authors

    B. Yao; E. Perez; D. D. Keiser; J. F. Jue; C. R. Clark; N. Woolstenhulme;Y. Sohn

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at [email protected]

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Alloy. Compd.

    Keywords

    Nuclear fuels; U(Mo); Interface; Diffusion reaction; TEM; IRRADIATION BEHAVIOR; LOW-TEMPERATURE; DEGREES-C; INTERDIFFUSION; Chemistry, Physical; Materials Science, Multidisciplinary; Metallurgy &; Metallurgical Engineering

    Abstract

    High-density uranium (U) alloys with an increased concentration of U are being examined for the development of research and test reactors with low enriched metallic fuels. The U-Mo fuel alloy dispersed in Al-Si alloy has attracted particular interest for this application. This paper reports our detailed characterization results of as-fabricated and annealed (475 degrees C for 4 h) U-Mo dispersion fuels in Al-Si matrix with a Si concentration of 2 and 5 wt.%, named as "As2Si", "As5Si", "An2Si", "An5Si" accordingly. Techniques employed for the characterization include scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy with specimen prepared by focused ion beam in situ lift-out. Fuel plates with Al-5 wt.% Si matrix consistently yielded thicker interaction layers developed between U-Mo particles and Al-Si matrix, than those with Al-2 wt.% Si matrix, given the same processing parameters. A single layer of interaction zone was observed in as-fabricated samples (i.e., "As2Si", "As5Si"), and this layer mainly consisted of U(3)Si(3)Al(2) phase. The annealed samples contained a two-layered interaction zone, with a Si-rich layer near the U-Mo side, and an Al-rich layer near the Al-Si matrix side. The U(3)Si(5) appeared as the main phase in the Si-rich layer in "An2Si" sample, while both U(3)Si(5) and U(3)Si(3)Al(2) were identified in sample "An5Si". The Al-rich layer in sample "An2Si" was amorphous, whereas that in sample "An5Si" mostly consisted of crystalline U(Al,Si)(3), along with a small fraction of U(Al,Si)(4) and U(6)Mo(4)Al(43) phases. The influence of Si on the diffusion and reaction in the development of interaction layers in U(Mo)/Al(Si) is discussed in the light of growth-controlling mechanisms and irradiation performance. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Alloys and Compounds

    Volume

    509

    Issue/Number

    39

    Publication Date

    1-1-2011

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    9487

    Last Page

    9496

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000294153800019

    ISSN

    0925-8388

    Share

    COinS
     

    Accessibility Statement

    This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.