Abstract:Preparation of protective coatings for uranium with amalgam formed by Zn, Sn and Au reacting with Hg respectively was investigated. The coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscope (EDS). Effects of pretreatment and oxide layer on coatings were also studied. The results show that it is feasible to prepare coatings on uranium surface with amalgam. The thin oxide layer on uranium surface has less effects on the combination between coating and uranium, because the oxide can disperse in the coating during the preparation and fresh uranium was faced to amalgam. 1:1 HNO3 can get rid of the oxide effectively, and better combination between coating and uranium can be obtained. 20~50 μm thickness coatings can be prepared in a single time to Zn and Sn, but to Au, it is necessary to obtain a thick coating repeatedly.