Research of the effects of microwave radiation on uranium oxides in air and reducing atmospheres

Research have been carried out on the effects of microwave radiation on uranium oxides such as UO₃ and U₃O₈. The studies were conducted in the atmosphere of the air and in the environment of the argon-hydrogen mixture. A special modernized microwave laboratory furnace was used for the research. The studies revealed temperature dependence of heating of the original substances under the influence of microwave radiation, as well as the results of observations of the process of microwave-heating of uranium oxides over different periods of time. To visually show the results of the research, graphs of temperature dependence on time are constructed and X-rays spectra obtained on the diffractometer «DRON-3» are presented. The results of the research confirm that the microwave-heating method has a positive effect on the rate of heating of uranium oxides and helps to accelerate chemical and physical processes during thermal denitration. Confirmed possibility of restoring uranium oxide mixture to uranium dioxide in the reducing atmosphere.

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