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Oxidation of Candu UO2 Fuel by the Alpha-Radiolysis Products of Water

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

D. W. Shoesmith
Affiliation:
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment Pinawa, Manitoba, Canada ROE 1LO
S. Sunder
Affiliation:
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment Pinawa, Manitoba, Canada ROE 1LO
L. H. Johnson
Affiliation:
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment Pinawa, Manitoba, Canada ROE 1LO
M. G. Bailey
Affiliation:
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment Pinawa, Manitoba, Canada ROE 1LO
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Abstract

The oxidation of CANDU fuel (UO2) by the alpha-radiolysis products of water has been investigated using electrochemical and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic-experiments. Experiments with O2 and H2O2, two of the expected products of radiolysis of water, indicate that the rate of oxidation of UO2 by H2O2 is about 200 times faster than by dissolved oxygen. Oxidation by both H2O2 and O2 shows pH dependence. Possible reaction paths for the oxidation of UO2 by radiolysis products are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1985

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