Tc Carbide and New Orthorhombic Tc Metal Phase

Abstract

Tc metal and metal-like carbide phases are revisited with special attention given to Tc-rich phases in the view of prospective nuclear fuel utilization and alternative transmutation targets fabrication. A new Tc-metal phase has been found and new softer conditions for the Tc carbide formation were observed. The unit cell parameters of a new orthorhombic Tc metal were a = 2.805(4), b = 4.958(8), c = 4.474(5)•ð (V/z = 15.55 •ð) for Tc-C with 1.38 wt.% C and a = 2.815(4), b = 4.963(8), c = 4.482(5) •ð (V/z = 15.65 A) for Tc-C with 1.96 wt.% C.