(U,Th)O2 mixed oxide nuclear fuel production

Generally in nuclear power reactors UO2 type nuclear fuels are used. But the world uranium resources are limited and decreases. For this reason other type of nuclear fuels are under research. Th232 is a fertile element like U238. The nuclear reaction, taking place on irradiation of thorium, is expressed as follows: 90Th232+0n1---90Th233---91Pa233---92U233 In this study UO-2 is produced from ADU and ThO2 is produced from thorium oxalate.(U,Th)O2 pellets prepared by the powder metallurgical techniques. The pellets are sintered for four hours under hydrogen atmosphere at 1700oC in continuous sintering furnace. Microstructural and density variations with respect to % ThO2 is studied and the results are discussed