Gel precipitation IPolyacrylamide /Fast reactor fuel /Mixed actinide oxides /Ammonium uranate/Gel structure
SummaiyThe physical and chemical changes invoWed in the foimation of spherical particles of (U,Th)Oj and (U, 30% Pu)Oj by a gel piecipitation loute aie desciibed, with emphasis being placed on the role of the polymer. In addition to Controlling the overall shape of the gel particle, the polymer is found to control the internal structure through the formation of bonds with ammonium uranate and other hydrous metal oxides in the precipitated gel. A common unit of structure is observed over the ränge of (U, Th) compositions studied and for the (U, 30% Pu) system. Removal of the polymer can be achieved without any significant disruption of the structure.