Thermochemistry of Plutonium and Its Compounds

The increasing use of plutonium compounds as nuclear fuels demands that the thermodynamics of these compounds be better understood. The bulk of the present thermodynamic data for plutonium-containing materials is estimated and unreliable; accurate enthalpies of formation are known for only a few plutonium compounds. Our ready access to extensive plutonium facilities and our calorimetric capabilities provide us with the opportunity for obtaining very valuable thermodynamic data for plutonium compounds. The report below briefly discusses plutonium calorimetry with respect to work that has been done, work that is needed, calorimetric techniques, and current plans.