The Limiting Heat of Solution of Plutonium in Some Rare Earth Metals

Abstract

The distribution of plutonium between neutron-irradiated uranium and some rare earth metals has been examined as a function of temperature in the range 1160° to 1350 °C. The results are used to calculate [Formula: see text] the limiting partial molal heat content of plutonium, at 1250 °C. in lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, and a commercial preparation of mixed rare earths (misch metal). The following values (in kilocalories) were obtained: lanthanum 2.9, cerium 1.1, neodymium 0.0, and misch metal 1.1. The maximum error associated with these values is ±0.4 kilocalories.