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The Uranium–Hydrogen Binary System

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Uranium Processing and Properties

Abstract

Gaseous hydrogen (H2) dissolves in uranium metal (U) and subsequently precipitates as uranium hydride (UH3). Near ambient temperature, this process results in destructive, pitting corrosion. At elevated temperatures dissolved hydrogen permeates the uranium metal and precipitates as UH3 upon cooling to lower temperatures. Near ambient temperatures, trace amounts of UH3 reduce the tensile ductility of U and trace amounts of oxidizing species in H2 and on the U surface impede the reaction remarkably. In this chapter the phase relationships and kinetic processes describing the pure binary system are reviewed. Ternary processes involving oxygen are addressed in Chap. 7, and U alloys with other metals are not addressed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Y-12 National Security Complex, 1 Bear Creek Road, MS #8097, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA

    G. Louis Powell

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  1. G. Louis Powell
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Correspondence to G. Louis Powell .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Compatibility and Surveillance Section, Y-12 National Security Complex, 1 Bear Creek Rd., Oak Ridge, 37831, Tennessee, USA

    Jonathan S. Morrell

  2. , Center for Advanced Manufacturing, Purdue University, Hovde Hall, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907, Indiana, USA

    Mark J. Jackson

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Powell, G.L. (2013). The Uranium–Hydrogen Binary System. In: Morrell, J., Jackson, M. (eds) Uranium Processing and Properties. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7591-0_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7591-0_6

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-7590-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-7591-0

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