Abstract
In this study, uranium dicarbide (UC2) has been prepared by arc melting and heat treated under vacuum to form uranium sequicarbide (U 2C3) in the presence of a second phase UC2 -z. Both samples, as cast and heat treated, have been characterised by chemical analyses, X-ray diffraction (XRD), 13C magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR) and by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). The composition, the purity, the various environments of both U and C atoms as well as the bonds length with the coordination number have been determined. By combining a long-range order method (XRD) and short-range order spectroscopy techniques (EXAFS and NMR), a unique view on the microstructure of UC2, before and after heat treatment, and of U2C3 phase has been achieved.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 234-239 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Alloys and Compounds |
Volume | 589 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 15 2014 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Carbides
- EXAFS
- NMR
- Nuclear Fuel
- Uranium
- XRD