Investigation of plasmachemical synthesis of oxide compositions for plutonium-thorium dispersion nuclear fuel

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents the results of experimental studies on the process of plasmachemical synthesis of fuel oxide compositions for plutonium-thorium dispersion nuclear fuel. Precursors were simulated water-organic nitrate solutions, which have a lower calorific value near 8.4 MJ/kg. The precursors consisted of an organic component (acetone) and mixed water nitrate solutions including a matrix metal (magnesium, yttrium), samarium (instead of plutonium), and cerium (instead of thorium). The authors determined the compositions and modes of processing simulated solutions that provide plasmachemical synthesis of nanosized complex oxide powders imitating plutonium-thorium dispersion nuclear fuel.