The effect of irradiation on the hydrolytic behavior of uranium monocarbide as related to the aqueous chemical processing of these reactor fuels is being investigated. This report describes the fabrication, evaluation, and en¬capsulation of the UC in niobium prior to irradiation.nUranium monocarbide buttons were prepared by arc-melting 1.51％>-enriched uranium metal with the stoichio¬metric quantity of spectroscopic-grade carbon. The buttons were then remelted and drop-cast into graphite thimbles 3/8 in. in diameter, and 3 in. long. The cylindrical castings were surface ground and cut into 0.17 in.-thick, pellets, which were then polished.
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