Effects of variations in Pu02 particulate characteristics, percent Pu02 addition, pressing pressure, and sintering variables on UO2 - Pu02 sintered pellet density and microstructure were evaluated. Results were statistically evaluated and model equations for green pellet density, sintered pellet density, and variation of sintered pellet density and diameter within groups were obtained, Multiple correlation coefficients indicate that approximately 99.7 percent of the green pellet density variation and 91.7 percent of the sintered pellet density variation can be explained by the model equations.nSintered pellet microstructures are presented and discussed according to accepted solid state sintering theory. The micrographs presented demonstrate the variations in solid solution grain growth and porosity occuring during the intermediate and final stages of sintering.
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