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INL reports findings on unusual quantum behavior of plutonium
Scientists at Idaho National Laboratory have discovered that plutonium hexaboride (PuB6) displays a type of unusual quantum property called a topological Kondo insulating state. Materials with this property are neither typical electricity conductors nor regular insulators. Rather, they have exterior surfaces that strongly conduct electricity and interiors that block electricity.
Yigal Ronen, Yehoshua Kimhi
Nuclear Technology | Volume 96 | Number 2 | November 1991 | Pages 133-138
Technical Paper | Fission Reactor | doi.org/10.13182/NT91-A34599
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A “nonproliferating” fuel for light water reactors is proposed. The nonproliferating aspects of the fuel are obtained by increasing the 238Pu/Pu ratio to 5% and above. This limit is maintained during the entire fuel cycle and, in particular, at low burnup values. The high value of the 238Pu/Pu ratio is obtained by introducing 237Np into the fuel. Some waste disposal aspects associated with 237Np are also discussed.