Development of Advanced Nuclear Structural Materials for Sustainable Energy Development

Structural materials used in nuclear reactors face many challenges due to elevated temperature operation, high neutron flux induced transmutations and radiation damage. In the present article, we review the core structural materials used in thermal as well as fast reactors. Due to emphasis on neutron economy and relatively low temperature operation, Zirconium-based alloys are used in thermal reactors and their evolution and materials challenges are discussed. In the case of fast reactors, due to intense fast neutron flux and high temperatures, austenitic stainless steels and its variants are used. Advanced structural materials with better radiation performance and for enhanced burn-up applications are also discussed.