The manufacture of U-7Mo-xZr alloys with using smelting technical and characterization

The experiment of U-7Mo-xZr alloys manufacture done in order to develop new materials for research reactor fuel with a high uranium density. The U-7Mo-xZr alloy made by smelting technique in electric arc furnace with a current of 150 A and argon gas as mediated. Melting performed with 5 time repetitions and U-7Mo-xZr alloy produced are testing / analysis include: analysis of uranium content, specific gravity, microstructure, hardness, thermal properties and phase composition. Visual observation of the U-7Mo-xZr alloys remelting produced no visible cracks, pores or oxide layer on the surface and from it's microstructure looks quite homogeneous Increased of Zr content in the U-7Mo -xZr alloy cause hardness increased while the density decreases. Hardness testing data of U-7Mo, U-7Mo-1Zr, U-7Mo-2Zr and U-7Mo-3Zr alloys consecutive 240.4: 294.6: 314.6, and 333.2 VHN, while the density of 17.8628; 17.3517; 17.0335, and 16.8721 g/cm³ . The data result with the DTA showed that the reaction occurs with enthalpy indothermic 3.2461 cal/g starts at a temperature of 1180.76°C and a peak at a temperature of 1205.15°C, whereas the X-ray diffraction pattern showed that the ingot remelting in γ phase. From the test results of U-7Mo-xZr alloy showed that the alloy is suitable to be nominated as a research reactor fuel in future. (author)