Preparation of (U_0.55Th_0.45)O₂ Microspheres by Sol-Gel Process

Abstract

An internal gelation process has been developed for preparing high density (U_0.55Th_0.45)O₂ microspheres. Parameters such as concentration of gelation agents, total metal concentration etc were standardized to obtain crack free sintered microspheres of 96% theoretical density (TD). The SEM studies of the sintered spheres indicated uniform microstructure with 10-20 μm grain size. SEM-EDAX study indicated uniform distribution of uranium and thorium within the microspheres.

Keywords:

• Sol-gel
• Urania
• Thoria
• Mixed oxides
• Internal gelation