Solid solution formation in UO2-ThO2 system

UO2 and ThO2 are known to form a continuous series of solid solutions over the entire range of composition. The formation of solid solution during the sintering treatment has a significant effect on the densification behaviour of the oxide mixtures. Attempts were made to study the solid solution formation in this system by X-ray diffraction technique.The influence of temperature and composition on the solid solution formation was studied. An indication of the role of diffusion in material movement was obtained by tracing the progress of solid solution formation with change in the heat treatment. Lattice parameters of UO2-ThO2 solid solutions were also determined.