SYNTHESIS AND CLAD INTERACTION STUDY OF U3SI2 POWDERS DISPERSED IN ANALUMINUM-MATRIX

U3Si2 was synthesized by induction melting in an inert atmosphere. The as-cast microstructure showed mainly a U,SI, matrix, and an eutectic of U-ss + U3Si2 in the matrix grain boundaries. It was found that slig htly hyperstoichiometric Si charges (7.5 wt% Si) resulted in a minimum presence of this secondary phase. U3Si2 powder obtained by milling, w hen mixed with Al, reacted resulting in an intermetallic U(Al,Si)(3) p recipitate above the Al melting temperature. Finally, U3Si2 + Al, both in powder form, when experimentally tested as a 3.4 Mg U/m(3) density fuel, showed that it can be used for fuel fabrication purposes.