Uranium diboride (UB2) is a refractory ceramic with physical properties that make it a promising candidate for the development of high-performance nuclear materials, including fuel.

Crystal structure

Crystal structure of Uranium diboride is hexagonal.

Features

Uranium diboride (UB2) has a higher uranium density compared to uranium dioxide (11.68 g cm?3 and 9.67 g cm?3, respectively). UB2 also has a much higher thermal conductivity compared to UO2, which will result in a lower fuel centre-line temperatures during normal operating conditions and a significantly flatter temperature profile across the pellet.

Uses

Uranium diboride has some applications in endocurietherapy, a method of radiation therapy wherein radioactive microspheres are implanted directly into the treatment site and allowed to remain for an extended period of time, may also use this class of material as it would not be attacked while in situ.

It is being considered as a nuclear fuel material as it has a high density and thermal conductivity.

Synthesis

The synthesis of uranium diboride (UB2) from uranium dioxide (UO2) has been carried out for the first time after a coordinated experimental and theoretical investigation. The reliable conversion of UO2 to UB2 is of importance when considering commercially relevant products (e.g. as an advanced technology fuel - ATF), avoiding the use of uranium metal as a reactant.