Corrosion and SCC resistant materials and chemistry for SCWR design

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The present proposal addresses Development Priorities for 2012-16, in which it was stated that "research is required to identify and test classes of candidate materials that can be used for in-core and out-of-core components, including a fuel channel design for a core outlet temperature of up to 625°C and a suitable fuel cladding material (up to 850°C during normal operation and higher temperatures during short upset conditions)", and "material performance will need to be demonstrated in the key areas of corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC), as well as mechanical properties such as creep." Based on our previous success on assessing existing materials in terms of their performance under the conditions expected in the Canadian supercritical water reactor (SCWR) concept and in determining the mechanisms governing the occurrence of corrosion and SCC under SCWR conditions, the current proposal focuses on important unresolved issues: 1) identify the role of SCW properties in the dissolution of elements from candidate alloys; (2) development of reliable methods of surface modification for enhanced corrosion protection; (3) understand the effects of materials composition on corrosion and SCC susceptibilities; and (4) expand the SCWR database by generating required information on material susceptibility to corrosion and SCC under SCWR conditions. The research will generate new knowledge/technology with a strong potential to strengthen Canada's nuclear industry and to fulfill Canada's obligations under the GEN IV International Forum (GIF) agreement. The research will be conducted in collaboration with AECL and NRCan. These two leading organizations in Generation IV research and development will contribute directly to the research work defined in the proposal, will provide guidance on the direction of research, and will assist through coordination with other researchers in the field. The research program also will provide training for a number of highly qualified personnel in the areas of nuclear material and chemistry control for SCWR.