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3D ball-and-stick representation of Uranium dioxide (formula UO₂). Constituent atoms: U, O.
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Physical properties
Molar mass270.028 g/mol
State at 20 °Csolid
Density10.97 g/cm³
Melting point3140.00 K (2867 °C)
Boiling point3815.00 K (3542 °C)
Solubility (H₂O)insoluble
Structure
Crystal systemCubic
3D render modeBall-and-stick
Uses and applications
- Light-water reactor fuel (PWR, BWR — ~85 % of the global fleet)
- MOX fuel (UO₂ + PuO₂ blend) — recycling of plutonium from reprocessing
- Radioisotope sources for research and instrumentation
- High-purity nuclear ceramics
Safety (GHS)
GHS06 · Acute toxicityGHS08 · Health hazard (CMR)GHS09 · Environmental hazard
H statements : H300, H330, H373, H411
Chemical toxicity (kidneys) and radioactivity (α emitter). Strictly controlled handling in the closed nuclear cycle. Fissile material subject to non-proliferation.
Constituent elements
References
PubChem CID10916
CAS1344-57-6
Sources : IAEA — Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials · OECD/NEA — Trends in the Nuclear Fuel Cycle · PubChem CID 10916
Related processes
Industrial processes involving this compound.
- Nuclear energyInput
Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)
The most widely deployed nuclear reactor design in the world (~70 % of the fleet). Primary-loop water, pressurized to 155 bar to stay liquid at 320 °C, carries fission heat from UO₂ fuel to a steam generator that feeds the turbine.
- Nuclear energyInput
Boiling Water Reactor (BWR)
Direct-cycle nuclear reactor: core water boils at 285 °C / 70 bar to produce the steam that drives the turbine directly, without a secondary loop. ~70 reactors in service (~25 % of the world fleet), mainly in the United States, Japan and Sweden.