Surface analysis of Pu oxide powders: thermal dehydration/water vapor rehydration studies

This work investigates the chemical nature of the surfaces of Pu oxide powders, primarily to help address issues that are critical for plutonium stabilization and 50-year storage. The interface between solid PuO2 particles, adsorbed materials and the surrounding vapor phase plays a dominant role in determining reactions which affect the chemistry of the resultant atmosphere surrounding the solids. Understanding the chemistry at this interface, particularly with respect to reactions with water and water vapor, is crucial for predicting the storage behavior of these powders