Interaction of Curium Sesquioxide with Refractory Metal Matrices in Pressed and Sintered Cermet Compacts

No reaction was observed between B-type ²⁴⁴Cm₂O₃ and tungsten, molybdenum, or rhenium matrices in cermet compacts fabricated by cold pressing and sintering at temperatures up to 1850°C. Reaction was observed, however, between the oxide and tantalum matrices sintered as low as 1400°C. Cold pressing and sintering at the highest temperatures produced generally well-consolidated Cm₂O₃ refractory metal compacts of 85% or greater theoretical density. In compacts produced from well-mixed powders, the oxide was distributed uniformly in the metal matrix with little vaporization loss of Cm₂O_s.