Abstract

In this study, we investigated the unit process parameters in spherical UO_2 kernel preparation. Nearly perfect spherical UO_3 microspheres were obtained from the 0.6M of U-concentration in the broth solution, and the microstructure of the UO_2 kernel appeared the good results in the calcining, reducing, and sintering processes. For good sphericity, high density, suitable microstructure, and no-crack final UO_2 microspheres, the temperature control range in calcination process was 300sim450°C, and the microstructure, the pore structure, and the density of UO_2 kernel could be controlled in this temperature range. Also, the concentration changes of the ageing solution in aging step were not effective factor in the gelation of the liquid droplets, but the temperature change of the ageing solution was very sensitive for the final ADU gel particles.

• Keywords: UO_2 Kernel;UO_3 Microsphere;External gelation process;