3D Printing Uranium-Carbide Structures for Nuclear Applications
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Summary
A research team led by Alice Zanini has used additive manufacturing to create uranium-based components with complex 3D shapes, which could improve the efficiency of nuclear fission.
The process, which is similar to hobbyist 3D printing using stereolithography, used a resin containing uranic ions and carbon-based precursors to make uranium dicarbide, a uranium carbide ceramic that is being tested as a potential fuel for nuclear reactors.
The ability to manufacture fuel elements with complex geometries could improve gas expulsion, increase surface area and improve cooling.
In addition, the technique could be used to make optimised targets for nuclear isotope separation.
The team is seeking alternatives to uranic carbide that are similarly easily 3D printable.
