EVALUATION OF THORIUM AND THORIUM-URANIUM COMPOUNDS AS THERMAL BREEDER FUELS

摘要

Cylindrical arc castings of near theoretical density of Th2Al, ThB4, ThBe13, ThC, ThC2, Th3Si2, and ThSi, without and with the substitution of 10 a/o uranium for part of the thorium, were prepared. Micro structural studies showed that, with the exception of the aluminide, the uranium replaced the thorium in solid solution in the compounds. Hardness measurements of all compounds indicated considerable strength, especially for the borides and beryllides. Oxidation tests in dry air and CO2 at 1100 F indicated greatest oxidation resistance for the borides and beryllides while the aluminides and silicides reacted extremely rapidly; the carbides exhibited intermediate resistance.