Mechanochemical synthesis of uranium sesquisilicide

Abstract Uranium sesquisilicide (U 3 Si 2 ) has been prepared by high energy ball milling of the elemental powders. Starting materials were combined in a planetary ball mill and milled with a 10:1 ball-to-powder charge for varying times between 0 and 24 h. Temperature and pressure of the milling vial were monitored to gain insight into reaction kinetics. The development of USi 3 as an intermediate phase is discussed. Starting materials and as-milled powders were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), demonstrating the viability of mechanochemical synthesis for U 3 Si 2 .