Effects of anodization conditions on subsequent hydride corrosion of uranium metal

Electrochemical and electrolyte conditions are explored for galvanostatic and potentiostatic anodization of uranium metal for the purpose of imparting resistance to hydride corrosion. Sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and boric acid mixtures are studied as potential anodization media. It is found that anodization delays the bulk hydride corrosion of uranium in all cases studied by between 1.3 and 3.1 times an unanodized baseline. The most robust extension is found to exist for potentiostatic anodization in concentrated sulfuric acid. These conditions are further found to produce a more uniform hydride corrosion morphology compared to nitric acid or electrolytes with boric acid added. (author)