Abstract
The conditions for producing mixed Th02-UO3 sols with 040% U by neutralizing nitrate solutions with ammonia solution under pH control are studied. With 035% U, good source sols for gelation in CCl4-ammonia media are obtained. Colloid fraction of U in producible stable sols is lower than that of Th. The former, moreover, decreases considerably with increase in U content while the latter does only a little ; this results abrupt decrease in their colloid fraction of (Th+U) with increase in U content. Whether gelation behavior of such sols is good or not depends on fraction of 4.1 nm or larger colloids, and on U content. The minimum value of the colloid fractions resulting no gel-sphere failure also decreases with increase in U content. The gel-sphere failure is a crack for lower U content and a hole like a dimple or a navel for higher one. The difference is also discussed.
