GB811841A - Improvements in or relating to uranium alloys - Google Patents

Abstract

Irregularities in the physical and mechanical properties of extremely pure uranium, i.e. uranium containing less than 0.1 per cent of impurities, are reduced or substantially eliminated by adding to the uranium an alloying element or elements of small thermal neutron capture cross section in an amount which should not be less than 0.05 per cent in total and is insufficient to produce an increase in the total competitive neutron absorption exceeding 0.1 per cent. The following are elements which may be added in amounts up to the indicated maximum percentages, Al 0.37, Si 0.36, P 0.32, Sn 0.56, Pb 4.0, Bi 4.0, Nb 0.15, Zn 0.17. The uranium is subjected, in the molten state, to high vacuum to remove volatile impurities, the pressure is then raised and the required alloying elements are added as such or as alloys or as compounds which will yield the elements under the conditions of melting. The Provisional Specification refers also to the use of Be up to 3.0 per cent.