(U,Zr)N alloy having enhanced thermal stability
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
InventorsRalph A. Potter, James L. Scott
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Abstract
A nitrided alloy of uranium and zirconium is provided which consists of a single-phase UN structure containing a dissolved amount of Zr as ZrN, effective to inhibit dissociation of the UN phase.
Claims2
In a method of operating a nuclear reactor at a temperature at which UN fuel decomposes to free uranium, the improvement which comprises using a (U,Zr)N composition containing at least 2 and up to 10 weight percent Zr at a temperature in the range 1500.degree.-1700.degree. C. as a reactor fuel in said reactor said (U,Zr)N being a solid solution of ZrN in a solvent matrix of UN and having a homogeneous single-phase structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.