Thermodynamic and Thermophysical Properties of the Actinide Carbides

This chapter presents a comprehensive review of the physicochemical properties of actinide carbides. It analyzes the different metal–carbon systems one by one, starting from the temperature versus composition phase diagram. The most important ternary systems, including oxide- and nitride-carbides, are also reviewed. Known physical and chemical properties of the single compounds are presented, from the structure of the matter to the thermodynamic functions, and from the transport properties to the mechanical and optical parameters. This chapter addresses not only material features relevant to the application of actinide carbides as nuclear fuels, but also more fundamental properties of interest for basic research.