Us Si2 alloy - characterization of a product obtained in induction furnace

The U3 Si2 intermetallics is a need for the present modernization of research nuclear reactor IEA-R1 of IPEN/CNEN/SP. This product will allow the power increase of this reactor from 2 MW to 5 MW, meaning a bigger production of radioisotopes used in nuclear medicine. This alloy will be used in the cermet of an an aluminium base matrix, producing production of fuel elements. The alloy is obtained by induction vacuum furnace. A melting of U-8% Si was poured in tubular copper mould. The as-cast product was characterized using methods of image analyser, through X-ray diffractometry, microhardness, but mainly by M E V microanalysis. The results show a product with more than 90% volume fraction of U3 Si2, but with presence of U Si phase (surface) and U-U3 Si (intergranular in central region). (author)