Light attrition of uranium dioxide powder

Sinterable uranium dioxide powders prepared through the ammonium diuranate route are prone to agglomeration causing difficulty in compaction and sintering. UO2 powder after light (short duration and low ball to charge ratio) attrition has been found to require lower compaction pressures and resulted in higher yields after sintering and finish grinding. Details of an in-house-built attritor are given. Experimental results concerning the effects of attrition on powder characteristics, green density, green strength, sintered density and recovery are presented and explained on the basis of green strength theory. The process is especially suited for low or room temperature precipitated (and hence fine or loosely agglomerated) powders. Even though only uranium dioxide powders have been handled, the principles are applicable to other ceramic powders.