High Temperature Thermal Physical Performance of BeO/UO2 Composites Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS)

In this paper, 10vol% BeO/UO2 composites were fabricated by SPS technique. The thermal physical performance above the sintering temperature was reported for the first time. The thermal conductivity of BeO/UO2 was significantly enhanced compared to pure UO2, especially in the high temperature range close to an accident condition. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) presented rapid falling trend above the sintering temperature, owing to the stress release and further sintering. Such results were of considerable importance for the design of nuclear fuel system.