Literature review on the oxidation routes of metallic uranium and plutonium

This report summarises the information reported in the literature regarding the conversion of metallic uranium and metallic plutonium into their most stable oxides UO2 and PuO2. The oxidation equations and mechanisms for both U and Pu are reported, as well as the oxidation rate in different media and/or temperatures. Both metallic uranium and plutonium are prone to ignition and literature carefully consider the ignition temperature when heating metallic uranium and plutonium. Some conversion methods were also reported. Besides a thorough literature review, some consideration of the DOE campaign was added regarding the thermal conversion of metallic plutonium and uranium carbide into their corresponding oxides. Finally, methods and processes related to metallic uranium and metallic plutonium conversion to oxides used in foreign countries are presented.