Oxidation of plutonium-1 wt% gallium in nitrogen/5.5% oxygen atmospheres

• Published in: Journal of nuclear materials Vol. 148; no. 1; pp. 115 - 120
• Main Authors: Stakebake, Jerry L., Lewis, Lloyd A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.03.1987
• ISSN: 0022-3115; 1873-4820
• DOI: 10.1016/0022-3115(87)90526-5

Kinetics for the oxidation of Pu--1 wt.% Ga were determined in nitrogen/5.5% oxygen over the temperature range 150-500 deg C. Oxidation followed a three-stage oxidation process. Stage I was the buildup of a dense protective oxide according to a parabolic, diffusion-controlled, kinetic process. Stage II was attributed to a linear conversion of the protective oxide into a porous oxide. Stage III began with oxide spallation and crack penetration to the metal interface. This oxidation rate was linear and continued until the reaction became metal limiting. Oxidation in N/5.5% O produced oxidation rates slightly less than the rates in air as long as the oxide film remained intact. However, when spallation began, there appeared to be a more significant dependence on O concentration. 16 ref.--AA