Reflectance spectroscopy in analysis of UO2 scale: derivation of a kinetic model of uranium oxidation

Abstract

In this study, we analyzed the development of a compact oxide scale built in course of Uranium surface oxidation. The process was monitored by an in-situ acquisition of the reflectance interference peaks in the NIR-MIR. Dielectric properties of the growing oxide scale were derived in accord to the oscillator model. We used effective media approach to simulate heterogeneous dielectric content in the oxide-metal interface. Following dielectric parameterization, structural properties (e.g., scale thickness) of the proposed multi-scale scheme were calculated. As scale's growth process quantified, a valid kinetic model was proposed. Analysis showed that oxidation dynamics is governed by a multi-parabolic, true diffusion-limited mechanism of activation energy conveniently equaling the known anion diffusion enthalpy of 26 kcal/mol. The applied kinetic model suggested a setup of two consecutive oxide scales, characterized by differing anion diffusion rates. Though mathematical formalism presented a similar to the paralinear, time-dependent solution, here, in contrast to the classic paralinear assumption, both scales consisted of a compact, diffusion limited oxide barriers. As a result, the difference in anion flow across the outer and inner scale barriers assigned the overall, pseudo-linear rate constant-k_l, of a negative (in contrast to the paralinear approach) value. Next, Uranium oxidation has been studied in the post-elastic domain. Markedly, upon breakaway of the compact oxide scale, classic paralinear behavior was reestablished for scale thickness of ≥ 0.5 μm.