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Characterization and thermal expansion of Th–10Zr alloy

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Abstract

Thorium–zirconium (Th–Zr) alloys have been less extensively studied as compared to uranium–zirconium (U–Zr) alloys and hence, literature available on the Th–Zr system is scarce. In the Th–Zr binary phase diagram, thorium–rich solvus line is shown by a dotted line till date. In this study, Th–10 wt%Zr alloy was synthesised by arc melting, the as-cast alloy was annealed at 1100 °C and quenched. X-ray diffraction pattern of the Th–10Zr showed peaks corresponding to α-thorium. The microstructure revealed a lamellar structure. The elastic properties showed a substantial increase in mechanical strength of the alloy. Coefficient of thermal expansion was determined using a dilatometer.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to express sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. P.P. Nanekar, Head, PIED, for his constant support. The authors also thank Dr. P.K. Pujari, Group Director RC&I group, and Shri V. Bhasin, Group Director NFG group for their constant encouragement during the course of this work. The authors would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr. S.B. Roy, Head, UED for providing the raw material.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Post Irradiation Examination Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, 400085, India

    Umesh Kumar

  2. Radiometallurgy Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, 400085, India

    Santu Kaity

  3. Glass and Advanced Materials Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, 400085, India

    A. Arya

  4. Fuel Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, 400085, India

    Aparna Banerjee

  5. Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India

    Umesh Kumar, A. Arya & Aparna Banerjee

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  1. Umesh Kumar
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Correspondence to Aparna Banerjee.

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Kumar, U., Kaity, S., Arya, A. et al. Characterization and thermal expansion of Th–10Zr alloy. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 331, 1619–1627 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-022-08217-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-022-08217-0

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