Grinding studies on beryllium oxide powder.

Abstract

Inhomogeneities in Brush UOX beryllium oxide observed in the powder and in cold pressed and sintered specimens have been removed by grinding the powder prior to fabrication, all grinding procedures reduced the densities obtained under standard sintering conditions, but some grain refinement was noted on sintering after short grinding periods. These effects are related to the introduction of alumina and silica impurities during ball milling. There is some indication that short grinding periods improve the strength of sintered specimens.