Carbides for Future Fission Environments (CAFFE)

Lead Research Organisation: University of Manchester
Department Name: Materials

Abstract

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Description By applying proton irradiation to the MAX Phase materials studied, we have been able to investigate their irradiation resistance, and thereby suitability for use in reactor envronments. Initial X-ray diffraction measurements have shown that significant changes in the lattice parameters of these materials occur when irradiated at 350C, even at relatively low damage levels. For some compositions this expansion becomes negligible when irradiation temperatures are increased to ~575C. This demonstrates the ability of some MAX Phases to "heal" irradiation damage. It also suggests that compositions studied up until now are unlikely to find use in applications where temperatures are below 400C. Autoclave testing has also shown that only a limited number of MAX phase compositions can survive PWR conditions, but may be well suited to some GEN IV applications. The work suggests that MAX phase compositions must be very carefully chosen for specific operating environments.
By combining the experimental work with atomistic modelling studies, we have been able to propose mechanisms for the large lattice changes seen at lower temperature irradiations, we have also shown that different compositions show different sensitivity, which provides motivation for proposing new compositions that may even be useable in ATF applications.
Exploitation Route The results will be used to develop targeted MAX phase compositions specifically with lower irradiation sensitivity at operating temperatures I.e. ~350. By describing the icrradaiatio response of new compositions, other researchers will be able to build on this work to look at other applications for these materials. Work has already started to look at other applications, specifically for materials within Fusion.
Sectors Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Energy
 
Description The findings of this work has influenced the future strategy of the companies involved (including Westinghouse and Rolls Royce) with respect to choice of potential materials and manufacturing processes for accident tolerant fuel cladding (ATF) and other potential in-reactor applications. Specifically, the work has provided a deeper understanding of the potential operating window for these materials and therefore potential applications. While it has demonstrated that the compositions so far investigated are unlikely to be used in the original proposed application ( I.e. ATF coatings for Light water reactors), the mechanistic understanding provided allows tailor-made compositions to be developed and has also opened the potential for the m materials to be used in alternative applications, including new research into their use in Fusion and also electronics. Materials and results from the CAFFE programme have also fed into the the Il Trovatore Euratom programme. where the work has been built upon with a number of new collaborators.
First Year Of Impact 2017
Sector Energy
Impact Types Economic,Policy & public services
 
Description H2020
Amount € 5,000,000 (EUR)
Funding ID 740415 - IL TROVATORE 
Organisation European Commission H2020 
Sector Public
Country Belgium
Start 10/2017 
End 04/2022
 
Description CARAT - Collaboration for Advanced Research on Accident-tolerant Fuel 
Organisation Paul Scherrer Institute
Country Switzerland 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Attended anual meetings and exchanged results and expericence.
Collaborator Contribution Attended anual meetings and exchanged results and expericence.
Impact Regular exhange of results and presentations.
Start Year 2015
 
Description CARAT - Collaboration for Advanced Research on Accident-tolerant Fuel 
Organisation Penn State University
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Attended anual meetings and exchanged results and expericence.
Collaborator Contribution Attended anual meetings and exchanged results and expericence.
Impact Regular exhange of results and presentations.
Start Year 2015
 
Description CARAT - Collaboration for Advanced Research on Accident-tolerant Fuel 
Organisation University of Tennessee
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Attended anual meetings and exchanged results and expericence.
Collaborator Contribution Attended anual meetings and exchanged results and expericence.
Impact Regular exhange of results and presentations.
Start Year 2015
 
Description CARAT - Collaboration for Advanced Research on Accident-tolerant Fuel 
Organisation University of Wisconsin-Madison
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Attended anual meetings and exchanged results and expericence.
Collaborator Contribution Attended anual meetings and exchanged results and expericence.
Impact Regular exhange of results and presentations.
Start Year 2015
 
Description CARAT - Collaboration for Advanced Research on Accident-tolerant Fuel 
Organisation Westinghouse
Country United States 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Attended anual meetings and exchanged results and expericence.
Collaborator Contribution Attended anual meetings and exchanged results and expericence.
Impact Regular exhange of results and presentations.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Drexel 
Organisation Drexel University
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution PhD student spent time in lab of collaborators, provided raw materials, time and subsequent characterisation of the resulting materials.
Collaborator Contribution Hosting PhD student, sue of lab facilities and guidance to produce Novel materials.
Impact Production of new MAX Phase materials Contribution to PhD project Co-authored journal paper DOI: 10.1039/d0ra09761f
Start Year 2018
 
Description CARAT working group meetings 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Annual meeeting of researchers from academia and industry to discuss results and issues regarding research into Accident Tollerant Fuels
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014,2015,2016