Thermalconductivities of (Np,Am)N and (Pu,Am)N solid solutions

Nishi, Tsuyoshi; Takano, Masahide ; Ito, Akinori; Miyata, Seiichi; Akabori, Mitsuo; Arai, Yasuo; Minato, Kazuo 

The thermal diffusivities and heat capacities of transuranium nitride solid solutions, (Np,Am)N and (Pu,Am)N, were measured by using a laser flash method and a drop calorimetry, respectively. The thermal conductivities of these samples were determined from the measured thermal diffusivities, heat capacities and bulk densities. The thermal conductivities of (Np,Am)N and (Pu,Am)N increased with temperature over the temperature range investigated. The increases in the thermal conductivities were probably due to the increase of electrical components. In addition, the thermal conductivities of (Np,Am)N and (Pu,Am)N decreased with increasing Am contents. It could be considered that the decreases in the thermal conductivities correspond to the lowering of electronic contribution.