Uranium-plutonium metallic spices for IDMS accountancy measurements: preparation and characterization

Alloys containing uranium and plutonium have been prepared as candidates for use as metallic spikes for IDMS determinations of uranium and plutonium in spent fuel solutions. Three compositions, U-0.5%Pu-50%Ti, U-0.5%Pu-25%Nb-25%Zr and U-1%Pu-2.3%Nb, prepared by crucible-less induction melting, were selected because of good cold formability. The polutonium homogeneity was estimated to be 0.1-0.4% RSD for samples containing 100 mg uranium and 1 mg plutonium by a γ-spectrometric method using 235U in the spike as an internal standard to correct for self-absorption. Metallography was carried out on buttons and foils of each of the alloys and revealed fine, homogeneous structures. (orig.)