MOX Explanation

[eh_carbaugh@ccmail.pnl.gov]

     The acronym MOX refers to Mixed OXides.  In the context of nuclear 
     fuel it refers to a blend of plutonium oxide and uranium oxide powders 
     sintered into ceramic pellets to form reactor fuel elements.
     
     The USA had big plans for the MOX fuel cycle to recycle plutonium from 
     spent fuel back into new fuel elements.  When the Carter 
     Administration killed the breeder reactor program the MOX fuel cycle 
     likewise died here.  However, it does remain alive and well in other 
     parts of the world.  The recent issue of what to do with surplus 
     weapons plutonium has reawakened interest in the MOX fuel cycle.
     
     The technology is available and adaptable.  The political will may be 
     another story.
     
        Gene Carbaugh
        Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
        eh_carbaugh@pnl.gov