Abstract: Process for the preparation of pulverulent metallic oxides with predetermined reactivity which is adjusted by the specific surface area, which are intended to be subjected to subsequent conversions, by thermal treatment of corresponding nitrates in the form of an aqueous solution or of a solids material, consisting of hydrated uranyl nitrate, on its own or in admixture with at least one of thorium nitrate, cerium nitrate and plutonium nitrate, which process is characterized in that it consists of two treatment stages:(a) the first stage essentially consisting of incompletely dehydrating the hydrated uranyl nitrate.(b) the second stage essentially consisting of decomposing the product resulting from the first stage by calcination under controlled steam pressure.The process is used for obtaining uranium oxide on its own or in admixture with thorium oxide, cerium oxide and plutonium oxide, with a view to subsequent chemical conversions and/or sintering.

Abstract: A process for the production of uranium trioxide having a large specific surface by the thermal denitration of hydrated uranyl nitrate corresponding to the formula UO.sub.2 (NO.sub.3).sub.2 .multidot.xH.sub.2 O, in which 2.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.6, characterized in that, in a first stage, the said nitrate is treated in the form of a liquid at room temperature in the range from 160.degree. C. to 260.degree. C. until a solid phase containing at least 55% by weight of uranium is obtained and, in a second stage, the said solid phase is progressively heated to a temperature of at most 600.degree. C. at a heating rate of at most 1000.degree. C. per hour, and is kept at this temperature of at most 600.degree. C. until a second solid phase of UO.sub.3 having a large specific surface is obtained. The UO.sub.3 product produced has a specific surface of at least 10 m..sup.2 g.sup.-1.