Pyrochemical Reprocessing of Weapons Plutonium as Nuclear Fuel for Power Reactors

Experimental work on transferring compact weapons plutonium by pyrochemical methods into its compounds was generalized. Powdered plutonium dioxide was obtained by interaction with moist air at 480–500°C. PuH₃ was synthesized by interaction of the metal with hydrogen at 280°C. PuF₃ was formed in an interaction of dioxides with HF and H₂. The reaction of plutonium hydride with HF also resulted in plutonium trifluoride. PuF₄ was synthesized by interaction of PuO₂ with HF.In summary, compact plutonium can be transfered by water-free methods into its powdered compounds, which can be used in investigations for developing new types of fuel elements for power reactors. 6 figures, 2 tables, 16 references.