Solid state reactions in chemical diffusion couples, U–7Mo–1wt%Zr/Al and U–7Mo–1wt%Zr/A356-alloy, at 550C were characterized. Results were obtained from optical and scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis and X-ray diffraction. The UAl3, UAl4 and Al20Mo2U phases were identified in the interaction layers of γU(Mo,Zr)/Al diffusion couples. The Al43Mo4U6 ternary compound was also identified in γU(Mo,Zr)/Al due to the decomposition of the γU(Mo,Zr) phase. The U(Al,Si)3 and U3Si5 phases were identified in the interaction layers of γU(Mo,Zr)/Al A356 diffusion couples. These phases were formed due to the migration of Si to the interaction layer. In the diffusion couple U(Mo,Zr)/Al A356, the Zr5Al3 phase was also identified in the interaction layer. The use of synchrotron radiation was necessary in order to achieve a complete crystallographic characterization.

Interdiffusion between U(Mo,Pt) or U(Mo,Zr) and Al or Al A356 Alloy. C.K.Varela, M.Mirandou, S.Aricó, S.Balart, L.Gribaudo: Journal of Nuclear Materials, 2009, 395[1-3], 162-8