Thermal conductivity of uranium metal and uranium-zirconium alloys fabricated via powder metallurgy

This study focused on the preparation of metallic uranium and uranium-zirconium alloys to measure the effect significant porosity had on thermal diffusivity from 20∘C to 300∘C. Precursor uranium powders were prepared through a hydride de-hydride process to obtain a < 70 mesh powder. The sample compositions were uranium, uranium 5 mass% zirconium and 10 mass% zirconium. Higher porosity decreased the material’s thermal conductivity. Thermal conductivity was also reduced with increased zirconium content. •Samples of uranium metal and alloys of uranium 5 mass% zirconium, and 10 mass% zirconium were prepared via powder metallurgy.•By controlling sintering parameters samples with a porosity up to 70% were obtained.•The thermal diffusivity of the samples was measured from 20 °C to 300 °C using the light flash technique.•The thermal conductivity of the samples was calculated using literature correlations.•Thermal conductivity as a function of porosity was plotted for each metal.