Abstract:
Described is a method of producing thermionic converters by densifying porous tungsten layers on the surface of a uranium dioxide/molybdenum substrate. The pores of the tungsten layer are filled by pyrolytically precipitating tungsten from the vapor phase from tungsten hexacarbonyl, W(CO)6, at a substrate temperature of about 1,200* C., into the pores and onto the surface of the substrate. The CO gas developing during the densification process is withdrawn.