Reactor-grade

Reactor-grade plutonium is a type of plutonium that is produced in a nuclear reactor. It is different from weapons-grade plutonium in that it contains a higher concentration of plutonium-240, which makes it less suitable for use in nuclear weapons.

Production

Reactor-grade plutonium is produced in a nuclear reactor by the neutron irradiation of uranium-238. The uranium-238 absorbs a neutron and transforms into uranium-239, which then undergoes two beta decays to form plutonium-239. If the plutonium-239 remains in the reactor, it can absorb additional neutrons and transform into plutonium-240, plutonium-241, and plutonium-242.

Characteristics

Reactor-grade plutonium contains a higher concentration of plutonium-240 than weapons-grade plutonium. Plutonium-240 has a high spontaneous fission rate, which leads to a high level of neutron emission. This makes reactor-grade plutonium less suitable for use in nuclear weapons, as the high neutron emission can cause a pre-detonation.

Use

Despite its unsuitability for weapons use, reactor-grade plutonium can still be used as a fuel in nuclear reactors. It can be mixed with uranium or thorium to form mixed oxide fuel (MOX), which can then be used in a light water reactor or a fast neutron reactor.

See also

• Plutonium
• Nuclear reactor
• Nuclear weapon
• Mixed oxide fuel

Reactor-grade Resources
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