Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for at least partially digesting a uranium (U)-based target material which comprises at least one uranium-metal (U-Me) alloy containing Mn, Fe, Co or Ni and comprising at least a U6Me phase. By means of an accelerant in a basic solution, the uranium in U-Me alloy oxidizes to U(VI). The accelerant comprises in particular KMnO4 whilst the U-Me alloy comprises a U—Mn alloy. The alloy preferably comprises two phases of an eutectic system, in particular the U6Mn/UMn2 system. The use of the accelerant enables an enhanced digestion of the U-Me alloy.

Abstract: A nuclear fuel, the nuclear fuel comprising uranium aluminide grains, wherein the uranium aluminide grain properties are selected for good isotope extraction after irradiation and chemical digestion.

Abstract: This invention provides an internal stress actuated micro- or nano-machine for measuring mechanical and/or electrical properties, e.g. traction measurement, compression measurement or shear measurement, on micro-scale and nano-scale films or multi-layers of materials such as metallic materials, carbon-based materials and silicon-base materials. The device of the invention has applications in materials production industry, as well as in micro-electronics and for surface treatments and functionalization.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and device for imposing and determining mechanical stress and/or strain, on micro-scale and nano-scale beams, films or multi-layers of materials such as metallic materials, polymer materials, ceramic materials, carbon-based materials and silicon-based materials using a set of micro- or nano-machines. The present invention also provides methods to derive and modify various properties or state of such nano- or microstructures, among others mechanical properties, and to measure the external stimulus that they are subjected to.