THE COMPACTING OF GRAPHITE AND GRAPHITE/URANIUM/THORIUM MIXTURES

Abstract

Fine artificial graphite powders can be cold compacted to give bodies of high density (～ 88% of theoretical), low permeability (B₀ ～10^–14 cm²), and reasonable strength. Such powders, after vacuum annealing, will not compact.

Die-compacted powder has strongly anisotropic properties owing to a high degree of preferred orientation within the compact; this effect is less marked in hydrostatically compacted powder. Minor dimensional changes occur when compacts are annealed in the range 600-1000°C.

The preparation of fuels by incorporation of fissile and fertile materials into graphite powder and cold compacting is described.