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Low-Temperature Oxidation of Fine UO2 Powders: Thermochemistry and Kinetics

Journal Contribution - Journal Article

The thermochemical behavior of low-temperature oxidation in fine UO2 powders has been investigated by simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The evaluation of the thermochemical and kinetic data reveals a complex interplay between different mechanisms. The initial reaction concerns the rapid chemisorption of oxygen gas onto the surface of UO2 grains, having an activation energy of only 13.1 ± 0.6 kJ mol–1. The subsequent oxidation at temperatures between 40 and 100 °C occurs first at the surface via a field-assisted mechanism, which progresses via domain growth into the bulk. At more elevated temperatures, thermally activated diffusion becomes the dominant mechanism.
Journal: Inorganic Chemistry
ISSN: 0020-1669
Issue: 7
Volume: 57
Pages: 4196 - 4204
Publication year:2018
BOF-keylabel:yes
IOF-keylabel:yes
BOF-publication weight:3
CSS-citation score:1
Authors from:Government, Higher Education
Accessibility:Closed