INDUCTION PLASMA DEPOSITION TECHNOLOGY FOR NUCLEAR FUEL FABRICATION

A study on induction plasma deposition with ceramic materials, yttria-stabilized-zirconia ZrO$_2$-Y$_2$O$_3$ (m.p 264O $^{\circ}C$), was conducted with a view developing a new method for nuclear fuel fabrication Before making dense pellets more than 96％TD., the spraying condition was optimized through the process parameters, such as chamber pressure, plasma plate power powder spraying distance, sheath gas composition, probe position, particle size and powders different morphology. The results with a 5mm thick deposit on rectangular planar graphite substrates showed a 97.11％ theoretical density when the sheath gas flow rate was Ar/H$_2$120/20 l/min, probe position 8cm, particle size -75 ${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ and spraying distance 22cm by AMDRY146 powder. The degree of influence of the main effects on density were powder morphology. particle size, sheath gas composition, plate power and spraying distance, in that order. Among the two parameter interactions, the sheath gas composition and chamber pressure affects density greatly. By using the multi-pellets mold wheel type, the pellet density did not exceed 94%T.D., owing to the spraying angle.