Abstract
It was shown that when irradiated with neutrons, uranium hexafluoride decomposed to intermediate uranium fluorides (presumably UF5 and fluorine).The rateof decomposition was∼G = 0.5 mole/l00 ev or 0.21mole/hr per kw of power liberated in the gas. It was also shown that in addition to dissociation of UF6 during irradiation there was also recombination of the decomposition products. As a result, equilibrium concentrations of fluorine and UF6 are set up, and these depend on the strength of the radiation. When mixed with fluorine, uranium hexafluoride is a radiation-stable compound even at room temperature and may be used as a fuel in a nuclear reactor.
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In conclusion, the authors consider it their pleasant duty to thank I. K. Kikoin for his interest and valuable advice.
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Dmitrievskii, V.A., Migachev, A.I. Dissociation of the UF6 molecule under the action of fragments from fission of the uranium nucleus. The Soviet Journal of Atomic Energy 6, 385–390 (1960). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01491374
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01491374