This specification covers sinterable nuclear-grade plutonium dioxide powders obtained by the oxalate precipitation route, calcination, or any other equivalent process acceptable to the buyer. Included is plutonium dioxide of various isotopic compositions as normally prepared by in-reactor neutron irradiation of natural or slightly enriched uranium, or recycled plutonium mixed with uranium. The material shall conform to required chemical compositions of plutonium, uranium, americium, impurities (boron, cadmium, carbon, chlorine, chromium, fluorine, iron, gadolinium, nickel, nitride nitrogen, and thorium), equivalent boron, and gamma activity. Materials shall also adhere to physical property requirements as to cleanliness and workmanship, particle size, and surface area.

1.1 This specification covers nuclear grade PuO₂ powder. It applies to PuO₂ of various isotopic compositions as normally prepared by in-reactor neutron irradiation of natural or slightly enriched uranium or by in-reactor neutron irradiation of recycled plutonium mixed with uranium.

1.2 There is no discussion of or provision for preventing criticality incidents, nor are health and safety requirements, the avoidance of hazards, or shipping precautions and controls discussed. Observance of this specification does not relieve the user of the obligation to be aware of and conform to all applicable international, national, or federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to possessing, shipping, processing, or using source or special nuclear material. For examples in the U.S. Government, relevant documents are Code of Federal Regulations, Title 10 Nuclear Safety Guide, U.S. Atomic Energy Commission Report TID-70162, and “Handbook of Nuclear Safety”, H. K. Clark, U.S. Atomic Energy Commission Report, DP-5322.

1.3 The PuO₂ shall be produced by a qualified process and in accordance with a quality assurance program approved by the user.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.