Electroplating nickel onto uranium as fission-recoil barrier

Plating experiments have been performed in order to obtain fission recoil barriers on low-enriched uranium (LEU) metal foils used as targets suitable for the production of 99Mo. The results of Ni deposition obtained in electroplating and electroless plating baths are presented. The best method of pretreatment uranium prior to plating is suggested. It was found that etching in solutions containing NiCl2 gave better results on uranium rods, whereas electroplating produces coatings with the desired level of adherence and coverage on uranium foils. The thickness of the nickel plates, evaluated both microscopically and gravimetrically, is sufficient to act as a fission recoil barrier. (authors)