Date of Award
11-1997
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Department of Engineering Physics
First Advisor
Jeffrey B. Martin, PhD
Abstract
A preliminary study of the weathering of uranium oxide particles diluted in diamond dust at ambient environmental conditions is presented. The primary weathering reaction is oxidation of the uranium from the 4 to 6 oxidation state, although formation of compounds such as carbonates and hydroxides is possible. Identification of the state of uranium oxide has been attempted using luminescence spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy DRIFTS. Luminescence spectra of nominal samples of three common oxides, UO3, U3O8, and UO2, have been measured showing significant spectral differences in peaks at 494 nm, 507 nm, 529 nm, and 553 nm. DRIFTS spectra of the same three oxides show significant differences in peaks at 960 cm, 856 cm, and 754 cm. The differences in these peaks allow determination of the oxidation to the 6 state in these compounds.
AFIT Designator
AFIT-GAP-ENP-97D-10
DTIC Accession Number
ADA335092
Recommended Citation
Zickafoose, Matthew S., "Analysis of Uranium Oxide Weathering by Molecular Spectroscopy" (1997). Theses and Dissertations. 5796.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/5796