Spark plasma sintering of fuel cermets for nuclear reactor applications

Yang Zhong, Robert C. O'Brien, Steven D. Howe, Nathan Jerred, Kristopher Schwinn, Laura Sudderth, Joshua Hundley, Robert O'Brien

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The feasibility of the fabrication of tungsten based nuclear fuel cermets via Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) is investigated in this work. CeO 2 is used to simulate fuel loadings of UO 2 or Mixed-Oxide (MOX) fuels within tungsten-based cermets due to the similar properties of these materials. This study shows that after a short time sintering, greater than 90% density can be achieved, which is suitable to possess good strength as well as the ability to contain fission products. The mechanical properties and the densities of the samples are also investigated as functions of the applied pressures during the sintering.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMaterial Challenges in Current and Future Nuclear Technologies
Pages13-18
Number of pages6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Event2011 MRS Fall Meeting - Boston, MA, United States
Duration: Nov 28 2011Dec 2 2011

Publication series

NameMaterials Research Society Symposium Proceedings
Volume1383
ISSN (Print)0272-9172

Conference

Conference2011 MRS Fall Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoston, MA
Period11/28/1112/2/11

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