Preparation and analysis of strain-free uranium surfaces for electron and x-ray diffraction analysis

This work describes a methodology for producing high quality metallic surfaces from uranium primarily for characterisation and investigations involving electron backscatter diffraction. Electrochemical measurements have been conducted to inform ideal polishing conditions to produce surfaces free from strain, induced by mechanical polishing. A commonly used solution for the electropolishing of uranium, consisting in part of phosphoric acid, was used to conduct the electrochemical experiments and polishing. X-ray diffraction techniques focusing on the surface show low stresses and strains are exhibited within the material. This is mirrored in good quality electron backscatter diffraction. •Methodology for the preparation of pristine metallic uranium surfaces.•Electrochemical evaluation of electropolishing conditions.•Evaluation of residual strains by XRD.•EBSD analysis of polycrystalline uranium.