Synthesis and remanufacturing of combustible materials

This teaching unit covers various aspects related to the synthesis and remanufacturing of nuclear fuels. After describing the different categories of nuclear fuels, the manufacturing processes implemented on an industrial scale will be discussed. The various methods of reprocessing (recycling), conversion, and remanufacturing of fuels will be described. The constraints associated with optimizing new fuel materials for Generation III and IV reactors will be addressed, highlighting the evolution of constraints on materials and their environment.

Hourly volumes:

            CM: 12 p.m.

            Tutorial: 8 hours

The objective of this teaching unit is to compile an inventory of knowledge about fuel and its life cycle. This will involve listing the constraints and stresses associated with passage through the reactor and detailing the issues related to the synthesis and remanufacturing of fuel materials. An inventory of the various synthesis and densification methods applied (or applicable) in a nuclear environment will also be compiled. In a second stage, studies aimed at controlling the physicochemistry of ceramics with a view to optimizing them for use conditions will be presented.

Basic elements of radioactivity

Fuel cycle: from mining to waste management

Continuous assessment

Combustible materials for second-generation reactors:

• Description of the combustible material and its immediate surroundings
• Specification requirements for reactor conversion
• Life cycle of combustible materials and external stresses
• Methods for preparing ceramic materials
• Dry synthesis: reactivity, homogeneity, etc., wet synthesis, hydrothermal synthesis
• Preparation of dedicated precursors and correlations between precursors and cohesive materials
• Densification of nuclear materials / Transformation into finished material
• Theoretical principles of sintering and diffusion processes involved
• Tools for characterizing and monitoring densification
• Sintering processes for actinide compounds and associated constraints
• Fuel processing and remanufacturing: from actinide solution to material
• Actinide conversion processes - Actinide recycling and reprocessing
• Industrial conversion operations
• New fuel materials for Generation III and IV reactors
• Presentations of the main concepts of Generation IV reactors
• Impact on the evolution of stresses on the fuel material
• Categories of materials, methods of manufacture, and production of objects
• Case studies related to the synthesis and densification of combustible materials optimized in terms of composition and microstructure

Administrative contact(s): Master's in Chemistry Secretariat

Master's degree in Chemistry @ umontpellier.fr