Interdiffusion Between Potential Diffusion Barrier Mo and U-Mo Metallic Fuel Alloy for RERTR Applications

    Authors

    K. Huang; Y. Park; D. D. Keiser;Y. H. Sohn

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Phase Equilib. Diffus.

    Keywords

    binary diffusion; Boltzmann/Matano analysis; diffusion couples; diffusivity measurements; URANIUM-MOLYBDENUM ALLOY; DISPERSION FUEL; HIGH-DENSITY; AL; MATRIX; Chemistry, Physical; Materials Science, Multidisciplinary; Metallurgy &; Metallurgical Engineering

    Abstract

    U-Mo alloys are being developed as low enrichment uranium fuels under the Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactor Program. Previous investigation has shown that the interdiffusion between U and Mo in gamma(bcc)-U solid solution is very slow. This investigation explored interdiffusional behavior, especially in regions with high Mo concentration, and the potential application of Mo as a barrier material to reduce the interaction between U-Mo fuel and Al alloys matrix. Solid-to-solid U-10wt.%Mo versus Mo diffusion couples were assembled and annealed at 600, 700, 800, 900 and 1000 A degrees C for 960, 720, 480, 240, 96 h, respectively. The interdiffusion microstructures and concentration profiles were examined via scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis, respectively. As the Mo concentration increased from 22 to 32 at.%, the interdiffusion coefficient decreased while the activation energy increased. The growth rate constant of the interdiffusion zone between U-10wt.%Mo versus Mo was also determined and compared to be 10(4)-10(5) times lower than those of U-10wt.%Mo versus Al and U-10wt.%Mo versus Al-Si systems. Other desirable physical properties of Mo as a barrier material, such as neutron adsorption rate, melting point and thermal conductivity, are also highlighted.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Phase Equilibria and Diffusion

    Volume

    34

    Issue/Number

    4

    Publication Date

    1-1-2013

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    307

    Last Page

    312

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000321260300006

    ISSN

    1547-7037

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