CX-020908: Ni-based ODS Alloys for Molten Salt Reactors – North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University (NC State), in collaboration with the University of California-Berkeley (UC-Berkeley), the University of Idaho (U of I), Idaho National Laboratory (INL), and the University of Oxford (Oxford), proposes to study the mechanical properties of oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) nickel (Ni) alloys. Based on the chemistry of molten salt reactors (MSRs), reactor vessel materials need to be corrosion resistant as well as irradiation resistant and have desirable mechanical properties at high operating temperatures. The tasks associated with this project are: 1) Design and manufacture of Ni-based ODS alloy and processing of batches; 2) Microstructural characterization; 3) Mechanical properties characterizations and deformation mechanisms; 4) Irradiation response of the materials; 5) Electrochemistry measurements for corrosion rate and corrosion mechanism; and 6) Report all findings to DOE in report and publishing of results. NC State has advanced analytical electron microscopy facilities for pre and post characterization experiments. UC-Berkeley has the processing capability to make the alloys of interest with the desired microstructures and the mechanical testing labs to measure the mechanical properties of interest at the temperatures of interest. U of I and INL have the equipment and computation platform tools for molten salts handling and electrochemistry for corrosion. Oxford will make available irradiation, mechanical testing and APT facilities. Equipment will be fabricated for testing of modelled scenarios and used in existing laboratory facilities.