SOME PREPARATION METHODS AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF UO$sub 2$ POWDERS

Methods of preparation of uranium dioxide powders having a wide range of physical properties are discussed. Thy effects of chemical and mechanical processes, temperature of preparation, and O/U ratio on the density, surface area, porosity, crystallite size, and particle size distribution of the UO/sub 2/ are determined. The results of a microscopic study reveal that the shape and structure of the U0/sub 2/ particles depend upon their method of preparation. (auth)