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 degreesC. PuH3 was synt hesized by interaction. of the metal with hydrogen at 280 degreesC. PuF3 wa s formed in an interaction of dioxides with HF and H-2. The reaction of plu tonium hydride with HF also resulted in plutonium trifluoride. PuF4 was syn thesized by interaction of PuO2 with HF. In summary; compact plutonium can be transferred 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 ref erences.