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How are ceramic nuclear fuel pellets made from powder?

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Labeled diagram showing the process of a nuclear power plant with a pressurized-water reactor. Water circulates through the reactor core, heats to produce steam in a steam generator, which drives a turbine connected to an electric generator. Steam is then cooled in a condenser using water from a cooling tower, which releases nonradioactive water vapor. Control rods, pumps, and transmission lines are also indicated. — nuclear power Schematic diagram of a nuclear power plant using a pressurized-water reactor.

The fabrication of ceramic nuclear fuel pellets, specifically for light-water reactors, involves a process similar to traditional ceramic manufacturing.1

The process follows these primary steps:

Preparation: The fuel material, typically uranium dioxide, is produced as a fine, flourlike powder.1
Compaction: This powder is placed into a die and pressed into the desired pellet shape.1
Sintering: The pressed pellets are heated in a furnace at temperatures between 1,500 and 1,800 °C (approximately 2,700–3,300 °F). This high-temperature firing process bonds the material, resulting in a dense, durable ceramic pellet.1

Once formed, these pellets are loaded into zirconium alloy cladding tubes, which are then filled with an inert gas and sealed to create fuel rods.1