Homogenization of plutonium-1.0wt% gallium alloys

The progress of homogenization in Pu-1.0wt% (3.34at.%) Ga alloys has been followed with detail heretofore not reported. With selected grains between 50 and 100 μm in diameter, gallium-concentration profiles were determined on as-cast structures and alloys heat treated for 2,24 and 720hr at 4600C. This was made possible by a microanalysis procedure similar to that used by Ferrera and co-workers and step scanning with the electron beam in the spot mode. It should be noted, however, that while in theory this type of analyis can be applied to almost any system there are many potential problems and much caution must be exercised. (author)