The order of reaction for the oxidation of nuclear graphite in dry oxygen-nitrogen mixtures

Abstract The order of reaction for the oxidation of British pile grade A graphite in dry oxygen-nitrogen mixtures containing between 2.5 and 20 per cent of oxygen and at a total pressure of 1 atm has been determined at temperatures of 575, 595 and 655°C. Values of between 0.54 and 0.60 were obtained. The presence of CO2 in the oxidizing gas had no effect. Except possibly at the lowest value the ratio of CO CO 2 in the product was independent of oxygen concentration.