Materials Chemistry Applications in Support of the Nuclear Industry

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The thermal properties of materials used in nuclear reactors, either as constituents of fuel or as components in the reactor or containment systems, are not always well characterized at higher temperatures or in aqueous environments. As nuclear power plants push the design envelopes by taking the reactors to higher power outputs, the fuel is running hotter. This has implications for safety analysis when the materials are taken outside their designed function. This research program will: 1) Investigate metallic systems that form during nuclear fuel burn-up to determine their thermal properties; 2) Develop the experimental methodologies to improve the accuracy of thermodynamic data for use in simulation models; 3) Develop novel materials for use in advanced nuclear fuel cycles; 4) Construct test equipment to study high temperature (above 100 °C) aqueous systems and measure thermodynamic properties of metal-water systems; 5) Develop fundamental understanding of materials properties for use in hydrogen generation technologies; 6) Develop Highly Qualified Personnel with a knowledge of thermochemistry as it relates to the nuclear and energy sectors. The research program will involve the following four projects: i) Examine metallic systems in nuclear fuel; ii) Develop a sensor for measuring the oxygen pressure at high temperatures; iii) Measure thermochemical properties of materials in connection with hydrogen generation from the copper-chlorine cycle. iv) Experimental Determination of High Temperature Pourbaix Diagrams