• Journal of Energy Engineering
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• v.15 no.1 s.45
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• pp.8-13
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• 2006

The oxidation behavior of $UO_2$, pellet was studied using an XRD and a thermogravimetric analyzer in the temperature range from 573 to 873 K and in the density range from 94.64 to 99.10% of theoretical density in air. It was found from the XRD study that $UO_2$ was completely converted to $U_3O_8$ in this experimental temperature range. The formation of $U_3O_8$ displays sigmoidal reaction kinetics. The oxidation rate was reduced with density. Induction time for the oxidation of $UO_2$ was delayed with density because of open pore formed in surface of $UO_2$ pellet. The activation energy for oxidation of $UO_2$ was determined to be 89.54 kJ/mol and 34.40 kJ/mol in the temperature range from 573 to 723 K and from 723 to 873 K, respectively.