Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 June 2014
The intermetallic Pu6Fe is a precipitate commonly found in standard-purity Pu alloys. We are interested in measuring thermophysical properties of this intermetallic, so we are developing methods for producing Pu6Fe with potential for being scaled up. We had success using a powder-based method, where finely divided PuH2 powder was mechanically mixed with Fe powder and reacted in vacuum. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to analyze the phase content of the product. We estimate ∼90% yield of Pu6Fe by weight, with the remainder being Pu. Enthalpy of melting for Pu6Fe was measured to be 31.2 J/g, and the onset temperature was 411.5°C. The product was melted 3 times and appeared to become more homogeneous after each cycle.