PROCESS FOR PRODUCING A CERMET COMPRISING URANIUM DIOXIDE PARTICLES

摘要

The invention relates to a method for producing a cermet comprising a steel matrix in which UO2 particles occupying between 70% and 90% of the volume of the cermet are dispersed. Said method comprises the following steps: a shaping pressure is applied to a primary mixture comprising, in suitable proportions, a steel powder and UO2 granulates formed from a UO2 powder having a specific surface BET of between 2m2/g and 5m2/g; b) the compact mixture obtained in step a) is subjected to a sintering process in an oxidising atmosphere in order to obtain a sintered material; and c) the sintered material is subjected to a reductive atmosphere before and/or during its cooling in order to obtain the cermet. The method is advantageous in that it prevents the cermet from cracking during its production. The invention also relates to the application of the production method for producing a nuclear fuel.