Process for the preparation of graphite-clad nuclear fuel rods

A process for the preparation of tubular crack-free graphite-coated nuclear fuel compacts which comprises the steps of:

• coating fine particles of a nuclear fuel with a matrix material formed by mixing 100 parts by weight of graphite powder with 20 to 35 parts by weight of a binder, to form matrix material-coated globules,
• pre-molding the thus coated globules in a tube forming pre-molding machine to obtain a tubular fuel compact,
• charging the thus obtained tubular fuel compact into the rubber mold of a rubber press molding machine,
• filling a matrix material formed by mixing 100 parts by weight of graphite powder with 15 - 20 parts by weight of a binder, around the tubular fuel compact in the rubber mold,
• conducting compression molding by compressing the side face of the thus obtained whole mass towards the axis of the whole mass in the radial direction thereof by means of the rubber press, to form a green, matrix material-coated fuel compact,
• baking the thus formed green matrix material-coated compact at a temperature of up to 1800.degree. C to thereby prepare the tubular crack-free graphite-coated nuclear fuel compacts, and if desired,
• impregnating the thus prepared product with a resin and subjecting the impregnated product to rebaking at a temperature of up to 1800.degree. C for further densification thereof.