METHOD OF THERMALLY ETCHING CERAMICS UNDER OXIDATIVE CONDITIONS, POLISHED CERAMICS, AND A METHOD FOR EXAMINING MICROSTRUCTURE OF CERAMICS Russian patent published in 2003 - IPC

FIELD: ceramics. SUBSTANCE: thermal etching of ceramics is, in particular, performed to develop borders of its grains and examine grainy microstructure. Invention is applicable to industrial and nuclear ceramics, in particular to UO₂ and mixtures (U,Pu)O₂. Etching is accomplished in a stove with controlled atmosphere formed by oxidizing gas ensuring chemical potential of oxygen from - 75 kJ/mole to -125 kJ/mole. Process includes following consecutive steps: rapidly raising of temperature at velocity 900-1500 C/h from starting temperature to temperature plateau (1250-1450 C), maintaining temperature plateau during 15 to 30 min, and lowering temperature to its end value. EFFECT: improved quality of optical image of grainy structure and reduced cost. 20 cl, 17 dwg, 4 tbl, 11 ex