26. Compact matrices for HTR fuel elements

ABSTRACT

The manufacture of compacts obtained by hot pressing fuel particles uniformly distributed in a graphite matrix has been studied* Graphite powders obtained by crushing and micronisation of natural graphite, or by crushing, graphitisation and micronisation of pitch or petroleum cokes, have been developed by the Societe Le Carbone Lorraine. Characterisation of these powders before and after adding phenol-formaldehyde resin has given their chemical purity, crystalline structure, texture and granulometric distribution.

Irradiation experiments in the Osiris and Eapsodie reactors have indicated dimensional behaviour, change in thermal and mechanical properties of compacts based on particles with carbon core•

Editor's Note. This Abstract was issued with the Preprints for the Conference but the Paper was later withdrawn.