Technological aspects concerning the production procedures of UO2-Gd2O3 nuclear fuel

Abstract

The direct incorporation of Gd2O3 powder into UO 2 powder by dry mechanical blending is the most attractive process for producing UO2-Gd2O3 nuclear fuel. However, previous experimental results by our group indicated that pore formation due to the Kirkendall effect delays densification and, consequently, diminishes the final density of this type of nuclear fuel. Considering this mechanism as responsible for the poor sintering behavior of UO2-Gd 2O3 fuel prepared by the mechanical blending method, it was possible to propose, discuss and, in certain cases, preliminarily test feasible adjustments in fabrication procedures that would minimize, or even totally compensate, the negative effects of pore formation due to the Kirkendall effect. This work presents these considerations.