Corrosion of Heat-treated Uranium in Dry Hydrogen Chloride-Air

Abstract:

The corrosion rates of uranium in dry HCl air and air medium have been studied. The results show that the corrosion products are almost the same in dry HCl air as in dry air, but corrosion rates tend to be different. The main surface oxides formed are UO 2 and UO 2+x . The presence of HCl can accelerate the corrosion. Uranium reacts with hydrogen in HCl, producing uranium hydride which in return reacts with oxygen and chlorine to produce hydrogen. This reaction significantly decreases the lifetime of the uranium.