The radiation effect investigation of advanced nanoparticle dispersed alloys used in molten salt reactors

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The small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) have been highlighted specifically by Natural Resources Canada as advanced energy system for phasing out fossil fuel energy sources to meet the target of greenhouse gas emission reduction, and also to assist remote northern communities in the country. Among many current SMR models Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) is considered a realistic prototype by Canadian vendors due to its high safety and efficiency factors. However, the major structure material selection and design for MSR may be highly concerned due to their expected severe irradiation and corrosion environment. In molten salts environments their performances are relatively rarely studied, so it is crucial to establish a program to evaluate the candidate materials using simulation conditions with simultaneous irradiation and corrosion (representative of SMR conditions). This project will aim to examine selected candidate materials in molten salts from radiation aspect and accomplish the testing of candidate materials in the presence of radiation fields, focusing on nanoparticle dispersed alloys (Ni and Fe based primarily) in a molten salt facility for mounting on the proton accelerator at Queen's. The work will be first-of-a-kind experiments and a critical development of MSR technology.