Oxidation and pulverization of UO2 and MOX pellets

Accidents in plutonium processing plants due to the combustion of kerogene may involve the oxidation and pulverisation of nuclear fuel pellets. Hence, some simulation experiments were performed in a glove box to study the behaviour of pellets of different composition (UO2/PuO2, i.e.MOX) and preparation conditions (sintered or green pellets with or without binding agent) as a function of temperature, time and oxidation atmosphere, especially in relation to the formation of course and respirable particles.