Uranium + water reaction. Part 2.—Effect of oxygen and other gases

Abstract

The rate and products of the uranium + water + oxygen reaction have been studied. Oxygen reduces the corrosion rate 30 to 100-fold and is consumed during the reaction. The oxygen is converted to water and does not react directly with the uranium. Only traces of hydrogen are evolved except under condensation conditions. A mechanism for the reaction is suggested. Hydrogen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide have little or no effect on the uranium + water reaction.