Thermal studies on co-precipitated precursors and gel combustion synthesis for the preparation of (U0.72Ce0.28)O2 solid solution

Thermal decomposition of ammonium diuranate and ceric hydroxide as well as their homogeneous mixture (prepared by co-precipitation) was carried out. Precursors for (U0.72Ce0.28)O2 solid solution were also synthesized through gel-combustion in order to identify a simple and energy efficient method for the preparation of urania-ceria solid solutions. Co-precipitated powders were synthesized by forward and reverse strike. These precursors were de-agglomerated and their decomposition was studied using TG-DTA. The residue obtained after the combustion reaction was found to be a solid solution while the product obtained through co-precipitation was found to be a mixture of oxides. The oxygen stoichiometry of the solid solution was adjusted by calcining the products in a reducing atmosphere (Ar+8% H2). (author)