Oxidation Behavior of UO$_2$in Air at 300~55$0^{\circ}C$

The oxidation behavior of UO$_2$pellets was studied using a thermogravimetric analyzer and an XRD in the temperature range of 300 to 550$^{\circ}C$ in air. From XRD studies it is found that UO$_2$is converted to U$_3$O$\_$8/ and the weight gains of UO$_2$specimen are characterized by S-shape curves. After complete oxidation the specimens broke into fine powder and the average weight gain was about 3.93 wt%. The activation energy of 50% conversion of UO$_2$to U$_3$O$\_$8/ is 81.6 kJ/mol and the oxidation rate per unit time was found to be as follows dw/dt=6.54${\times}$10$\^$6/ e (equation omitted), wt%/h : at 50% conversion of UO$_2$into U$_3$O$\_$8/ where w, t and T were wt% gain, conversion time and temperature, respectively.