MOXpolttoainetta

MOXpolttoainetta refers to mixed-oxide nuclear fuel, commonly known as MOX fuel. It is a type of nuclear fuel used in nuclear reactors that consists of a mixture of plutonium and uranium. Typically, the plutonium is derived from spent nuclear fuel that has been reprocessed. The uranium component is often depleted uranium, which has a lower concentration of the fissile isotope Uranium-235 than natural uranium.

The primary purpose of MOX fuel is to utilize plutonium, which is a byproduct of nuclear fission in uranium-fueled reactors. By incorporating plutonium into fuel rods, it can be burned as a fuel source, thereby reducing the amount of plutonium that would otherwise need to be stored. This can contribute to nuclear non-proliferation efforts by converting weapons-grade plutonium into a form that is more difficult to divert for illicit purposes.

MOX fuel can be used in many existing light-water reactors, often as a partial replacement for conventional uranium fuel. The precise composition of MOX fuel can vary, but it generally contains a few percent of plutonium. The presence of plutonium, which has a different neutronics profile than uranium, requires careful design and management of the reactor core to ensure safe and efficient operation. While MOX fuel offers advantages in waste management and non-proliferation, its production and use involve complex technological and regulatory considerations.