Sintering and characterization of (Pu,Zr)N

Nitride fuel, with the composition of (Pu0.4Zr0.6)N, is fabricated for studying the sinterability of nitride fuel as a function of oxygen concentration in the material. Oxygen concentration of up to 0.6 wt% evidently enhances the densification of the material. Increasing the sintering temperature from 1923 to 1973 K improves the sintered pellet densities by up to 3.8%TD. In addition, the measured thermophysical and electrical properties of (Pu0.4Zr0.6)N reveal that the values are close to those of PuN. Elevated oxygen concentration in the material decreases its thermal conductivity. Oxygen concentration of 0.34 wt% in (Pu,Zr)N is a consequence of the fabrication process, considering the relatively pure ZrN (0.03 wt% O) and PuN (0.08 wt% O) powders initially fabricated.