Studies on the Uranium Dicarbide Phase

Abstract

The lattice parameters of UC₂ are examined as a function of carbon content and annealing: conditions on sintered carbides between UC_1·5 and UC_2·2 (7.0 to 10.0W/0 of carbon). The values of UC₂ obtained under equilibrium state are around a ₀=3.5253 Å and c ₀=5.9994Å. The lattice parameter measurements were made also on UC₂ obtained under non-equilibrium conditions by are-melting and carbothermic reaction of UO₂. The lattice parameters were appreciably smaller than on the specimens obtained under equilibrium. With annealing, both the lattice parameter and the combined carbon content showed a tendency to increase.