Structural alloys for nuclear reactors

Irradiation of alloys typically introduces changes to the atomic- and micro-scale structure, degrading performance. Here, sustained irradiation of an Al-Sb alloy causes self-organization that stabilizes the microstructure, improving radiation resistance.

The creep behavior of actively cooled alloys exposed to neutron irradiation in fusion reactors is expected to critically affect the operation of reactor components. Here, experiments and simulations of a 16 μm thick tungsten wire exposed to low-temperature irradiation reveal stress relaxation rates far exceeding those associated with thermal creep.

Corrosion of structural alloys hinders the applications of molten salts in nuclear energy and in solar cells. This works employs ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to identify the key early-stage mechanistic processes that control moisture-induced corrosion of FeCr alloys in salts.

Irradiation-induced void swelling is known to be higher in metals with an fcc structure compared to bcc, though the reason behind this is unclear. Here, by combining simulations and STEM imaging, stacking fault tetrahedra are found to be the cause of a high swelling rate in fcc copper.

In situ corrosion monitoring is essential to unveil corrosion mechanisms and safeguard materials’ health. Here, the authors develop a radionuclide tracing based in situ corrosion monitoring technique that can monitor corrosion attack depth and corrosion product transport in flowing molten salts.

Hydrogen isotope effect in metal-hydrogen systems disturbs precise Deuterium/Tritium (D/T) ratio control. Here, the authors demonstrate a local coordination strategy that comprises thermodynamic destabilization with vibration enhancement of interstitial isotopes for isotope engineering.