| abstract |
A process for producing large-grain, low-density UO 2 micro-fuel spheres, the micro-fuel spheres having an average grain diameter of at least 5 μm, which comprises: n (a) isothermally heating one or more UO 2 micro-fuel spheres in a stream consisting essentially of carbon dioxide for a time and at a temperature sufficient to produce grains having an increased average grain diameter of greater than 5 μm, without substantially increasing the density of said micro-fuel spheres; and then n (b) sintering said produced grains, in the absence of a sintering additive, in a reducing gas stream for a time and at a temperature sufficient to regulate both the ratio of oxygen to uranium in the produced grains, and the density of the grains. |