Initial Development and Characterization of Plutonia-lridium Cermets (PIC)

摘要

An investigation of a Plutonia-Iridium Cermet (PIC) as a candidate radio-isotopic fuel has been initiated at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. Specimens containing 11 to 15 vol％ iridium as a continuous phase have been prepared by a multi-step process which includes (1) granulation and prefiring of 238Pu1G02 to provide a ceramic phase having a selected size distribution usually ranging from 61 to 297μ (2) comminution of -325 mesh Ir powder to ≤ 5μ particles, (3) coating or mixing the ceramic granules with the metallic particles, (4) hot pressing the mixture in vacuum, and (5) adjustment of the stoichiometry of the oxide by heat treatment in a suitable atmosphere.