Structural investigation of Na3UO4 by neutron diffraction
We are interested in the safety aspects of Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors (SFR) and more specifically by the potential interaction of sodium with the fuel (U, Pu)O2. Indeed, in case of a clad breach, though extremely rare during normal operating conditions, sodium will enter the fuel pin and react with the fuel. Studies carried out in the past in equilibrium conditions have revealed the formation of an urano-plutonate of sodium of general formula Na3MO4 with M = U, Pu. The compound thus formed is of lower density and has a lower thermal conductivity than the fuel leading to local swelling and development of hot spots that could further damage the cladding up to a pin failure. In that regard we would like to revisit the structure of the Na3UO4 compound for which controversial structures have been suggested. Our experiment is aimed to lift the controversy by determining the alpha-form of Na3UO4 by neutron diffraction and possibly also revisit the beta-form which occurs above 975°C.
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RAISON Philippe; BYKOV Denis; KONINGS Rudy; SMITH Anna and SUARD Emmanuelle. (2012). Structural investigation of Na3UO4 by neutron diffraction. Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) doi:10.5291/ILL-DATA.5-21-1072
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