Preparation of Uranium Carbide Pellets in a Simplified Process

Abstract

A study was made on the preparation of UC pellets from mixed powders of UO₂ and graphite in a dry process.
The principal results obtained are as follows:
(1) The conditions of carbothermic reduction were determined.
(2) Pressing and sintering procedures using UC clinkers were studied.
(3) An examination was made on the effects of additives and of differences in carbon content on the densities obtainable on the product pellets.