| abstract |
The invention relates to nuclear engineering, and more particularly to a uranium-based metal-ceramic alloy, and is suitable for use in the manufacture of nuclear fuel for fuel elements for thermal-neutron and fast-neutron reactors, as well as in the creation of research reactors. A uranium-based alloy contains 2.5-12 wt% molybdenum, and principal ceramic phases containing oxygen, carbon or nitrogen in an amount of 0.1-3.0 wt%, and may be doped with additional elements in the form of silicon, tin, chromium or aluminium, which form intermetallic phases, as well as with elements that are gamma stabilizers, specifically niobium, titanium or zirconium. The claimed uranium-based metal-ceramic alloy containing molybdenum and having a composite metal-ceramic alloy structure consists of a y-(U-Mo) matrix phase and a ceramic and/or intermetallic phase or phases. The alloy has a low thermal neutron capture cross section and a high liquidus temperature and is compatible with structural materials, including steel or aluminium cladding. The thermodynamic stability and reaction resistance of the alloy are also increased. |