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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.
Kenzo Munakata, Hiroshi Sugai, Shigehiko Miyachi, Shouzo Yasu
Nuclear Technology | Volume 98 | Number 2 | May 1992 | Pages 178-187
Technical Paper | Enrichment and Reprocessing System | doi.org/10.13182/NT92-A34673
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
“Crud” is a problem in the solvent extraction process for nuclear fuel reprocessing. Crud is an emulsion stabilized by dispersed fine solids. Insoluble residues and precipitates play an important role in crud formation. The effect of insoluble residues on crud formation is studied using submicron particles of palladium, which is one of the elements contained in insoluble residues. Experiments are conducted on factors such as palladium concentration, particle size, and acidity. The experimental results indicate that the smallest palladium concentration in the aqueous phase that can stabilize an emulsion is ∼5 g/ℓ and that such an emulsion is of the oil-in-water type. Moreover, the palladium layer on globules is discussed, and a numerical estimation is performed to predict the time when stable emulsions start to form in a mixer-settler.