Advanced corrosion-resistant materials for enhanced nuclear fuel performance: A conceptual review of innovations in fuel cladding against molten salt degradation
1 Independent Researcher, Florida, USA.
2 Independent Researcher, Lagos Nigeria.
3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nigeria.
Review
Open Access Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 2024, 07(02), 016–030.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjet.2024.7.2.0056
Publication history:
Received on 18 August 2024; revised on 05 October 2024; accepted on 08 October 2024
Abstract:
The increasing demand for efficient and sustainable nuclear power has led to the development of advanced corrosion-resistant materials that can significantly enhance nuclear fuel performance. This conceptual review focuses on the innovations in fuel cladding materials designed to resist degradation in molten salt environments, which are crucial for advanced nuclear reactors like molten salt reactors (MSRs). Fuel cladding serves as a critical barrier between the nuclear fuel and the reactor environment, and its ability to withstand extreme temperatures and corrosive conditions is essential for safe and efficient reactor operation. Recent advancements in materials science have introduced novel alloys and coatings that demonstrate superior corrosion resistance in molten salts, which are used as both coolants and fuel solvents in MSRs. These innovations include high-temperature nickel-based alloys, refractory metals, and ceramic coatings, which are engineered to reduce the effects of molten salt corrosion, such as oxidation, pitting, and embrittlement. By enhancing the durability of fuel cladding, these materials contribute to improved fuel performance, longer reactor lifespans, and increased safety. This review explores key developments in corrosion-resistant materials, emphasizing the mechanisms by which these materials mitigate molten salt degradation. Additionally, it highlights the challenges associated with material selection, fabrication, and long-term performance in the highly corrosive environments of advanced nuclear reactors. Ongoing research into these materials offers promising avenues for the future of nuclear energy, particularly in addressing the limitations of current fuel cladding technologies. In conclusion, the use of advanced corrosion-resistant materials represents a significant step toward enhancing the performance and safety of nuclear fuel, ensuring the viability of MSRs and other advanced reactor designs. Continued innovation in this field is essential for the future of nuclear power.
Keywords:
Advanced Corrosion-Resistant Materials; Fuel Cladding; Molten Salt Reactors; Molten Salt Degradation; Nuclear Fuel Performance; Nickel-Based Alloys; Refractory Metals; Ceramic Coatings
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Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0