Mechanochemical Synthesis of Uranium Sesquisilicide

Authors

Gordon A. Alanko, Boise State University
Darryl P. Butt, Boise State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2014

Abstract

Uranium sesquisilicide (U₃Si₂) has been prepared by high energy ball milling of the elemental powders. Starting materials were combined in a planetary ball mill and milled with a 10:1 ball-to-powder charge for varying times between 0 and 24 hours. Temperature and pressure of the milling vial were monitored to gain insight into reaction kinetics. The development of USi₃ as an intermediate phase is discussed. Starting materials and as-milled powders were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), demonstrating the viability of mechanochemical synthesis for U₃Si₂.

Publication Information

Alanko, Gordon A. and Butt, Darryl P.. (2014). "Mechanochemical Synthesis of Uranium Sesquisilicide". Journal of Nuclear Materials, 451(1-3), 243-248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2014.03.042