Preparation of UCO Microspheres by Internal Gelation Process

摘要

UCO kernels were used for High temperature reactor fuel, which can restrain kernels migration and avoid corrosion of cladding layer under the high burnup compared with UO_2 or UC kernels. In this paper, UCO kernels were prepared by internal gelation process containing dissolving, broth preparation, dispersing, AWD (aging, washing and drying) and sintering procedures. The broth composition was studied based on the fabrication of UO_2 kernels before. Effects of the carbon black content and sintering atmosphere on the microstructure and performance of microspheres were mainly studied. Surface morphology of dried microsphere was observed by integrated microscope. Grain size and the degree of densification of UCO microspheres were observed by SEM.