Sintering and characterization of (Pu,Zr)N

Manufacture of fully dense uranium nitride pellets using hydride derived powders with spark plasma sintering

“…Our oxygen concentration is an order of magnitude higher than the one reported by Muromura and Tagawa [11], using the same synthesis process. This is most likely due to oxygen pickup during transfer processes, being rapid when nitrides are exposed to air [12]. Oxygen concentrations similar to our values were found in UN pellets manufactured from metallic uranium in a similar set-up [13].…”

Processing and properties of ZrC, ZrN and ZrCN ceramics: a review

“…It is clear that production of pure, stoichiometric, dense ceramics is not yet fully achieved, hindering the reporting of accurate thermophysical data. The review also highlights some recent work showing that ZrN possesses improved properties over ZrC, such as increased thermal conductivity, 59,60 although much data are lacking compared to ZrC, such as its high temperature mechanical properties and oxidation behaviour. However, the data in this review are sufficient to suggest potential applications of these materials in other high temperature environments including aerospace and refractories.…”

Thermophysical characterisation of ZrCxNy ceramics fabricated via carbothermic reduction–nitridation

“…Impurities, such as oxygen, within the sample will lead to increasing phonon and electron scattering at the impurity, decreasing thermal conductivity. Effects of oxygen on sintering and thermophysical properties of ZrN have been discussed by Pukari and Takano [37] and Stanek et al [38] and the unavoidable oxygen impurities present in the samples of around 2-5 at.%O (Table 2) from processing methods will have a detrimental effect on the thermal conductivities (Fig. 10).…”