The Journal of the American Ceramic Society has published a paper produced via a longstanding collaboration between Lucideon, the University of Manchester, and the UK National Nuclear Laboratory
The paper, titled "Optimising a current-rate controlled flash sintering process for UO2 pellet fabrication", explores the usage of Flash Sintering technology for applications in nuclear fuel preparation.
Flash Sintering (FS), is an advanced sintering technology that involves the application of a direct electrical field via customized electrodes to a material body during the sintering process.
FS is currently being investigated as an alternative manufacturing route for uranium dioxide (UO2) and mixed oxide (MOX & D-MOX)) fuels for nuclear applications. The paper details the results of a collaborative project between Lucideon, the University of Manchester, and the UK National Nuclear Laboratory to trial the technique for the consolidation of UO2 pellets, with an emphasis on how closely the results conform to existing fuel specifications. Pellet density, grain size, and pellet heterogeneity were all observed and compared to conventionally sintered materials, with recommendations made as to the future direction of research.
FS may offer dramatic advantages over the conventional sintering of nuclear fuels in terms of decreased sintering temperatures and hold times required and thus sintering cycle time, as well as removing the need for water cooling furnaces due to the new lower operational temperature. These characteristics establish the technique as of potential interest to the nuclear industry, which consistently seeks innovative technologies for consolidating nuclear waste and nuclear fuel materials.
This work was supported through the GREEN centre for doctoral training funded by the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council and the capabilities associated with this work were funded under the Advanced Fuel Cycle Programme (AFCP).
» The full paper is available here
If you're interested in learning more, contact David Pearmain at david.pearmain@uk.lucideon.com.
January 2026