METHOD OF TREATING A METALLIC OXIDE POWDER, AND ITS USE IN PRODUCING NUCLEAR FUEL PELLETS

摘要

The invention relates to a process for the treatment of a metal oxide powder, particularly a UO2 or PuO2 powder, with a view to its fritting. This process consists of oxidizing the powder, so as to form on its surface a hydrated oxide layer of the same metal. When the oxide is UO2 or PuO2 and mixtures thereof, as well as those prepared with ThO2, the treated powder can be used for producing nuclear fuel pellets by cold compression, followed by fritting.