High temperature thermal physical performance of BeO/UO2 composites prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS)

Abstract In this paper, 10 vol% BeO/UO 2 composites were fabricated by SPS technique. The thermal physical performance above the sintering temperature was reported for the first time. The thermal conductivity of BeO/UO 2 was significantly enhanced compared to pure UO 2 , especially in the high temperature range close to an accident condition. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) presented rapid falling trend above the sintering temperature, owing to the stress release and further sintering. Such results were of considerable importance for the design of nuclear fuel system.