plutonium dioxide

…plutonium nitrate is converted to plutonium dioxide (PuO₂) either for conversion to plutonium metal (weapons-grade plutonium) or for recycling into nuclear reactor fuel. Like uranium, metallic plutonium is usually obtained by high-temperature reduction of a halide salt (plutonium tetrafluoride or plutonium trifluoride) with calcium metal. Much use is also made…

…dioxide, UO₂) and plutonia (plutonium dioxide, PuO₂) have unique features that qualify them for nuclear fuel applications. First, they are extremely refractory: for instance, the melting point of UO₂ is in excess of 2,800° C (5,100° F). Second, the open crystal structure of oxide nuclear ceramics allows for retention…