Triuranium Octaoxide

Source: Appendix A of the PEIS (DOE/EIS-0269)

Physical Properties

Triuranium octaoxide (U₃O₈) occurs naturally as the olive-green-colored mineral pitchblende. U₃O₈ is readily produced from UF₆ and has potential long-term stability in a geologic environment. In the presence of oxygen (O2), uranium dioxide (UO₂) and uranium trioxide (UO3) are oxidized to U₃O₈. U₃O₈ can be made by three primary chemical conversion processes, involving either UF₄ or UO₂F₂ as intermediates. It is generally considered to be the more attractive form for disposal purposes because, under normal environmental conditions, U₃O₈ is one of the most kinetically and thermodynamically stable forms of uranium and also because it is the form of uranium found in nature. It is insoluble in water and it has a bulk density in the range of 1.5 - 4.0 g/cm³ depending on the process used for production. Its particle density is 8.3 g/cm³.

Chemical Properties

Triuranium octaoxide (U₃O₈) has no hazardous chemical properties that are significant.

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