Materials for Nuclear Power Applications

Steven J. Zinkle
UT/ORNL Governor’s Chair Professor, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN and Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Abstract
There is growing interest in deploying the first set of prototypic fusion and small modular reactor (SMR) and Generation IV fission reactors within the next 10 years. It is spurred in part by increased private sector investments to help meet the increased demands of power-hungry AI data centers. Advanced materials will be foundational for the successful operation of any next-step fission or fusion energy device. I will summarize some key advances achieved in the development of fission and fusion materials, particularly structural materials, during the past 10 years, and I will identify several key remaining challenges.

Radiation-induced nanoscale complexes that evolve over multiple length and time scales (with the potential for dramatic, accompanying, favorable property changes) are a recurring feature in many irradiated materials. I will describe several strategies for designing and manufacturing new high-performance, self-healing structural materials. Recent innovations in the broader field of materials research offer opportunities for rapid development of new high-performance structural materials for fission and fusion reactors.

I will also discuss materials-related progress and challenges for other key materials systems in fusion reactors, including plasma-facing components, breeding blanket and tritium extraction systems, as well as radiation shielding and vacuum vessel options.

Biographical Sketch
Steve Zinkle is the Governor’s Chair Professor for Nuclear Materials at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, with a joint appointment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. An ORNL corporate fellow, he previously served in various management and R&D positions at ORNL, including chief scientist of the Nuclear Science and Engineering Directorate and director of the Materials Science and Technology Division.

His research interests include deformation and fracture mechanisms in structural materials, advanced manufacturing, and radiation effects in ceramics, fuel systems, and metallic alloys for fission and fusion energy systems. He has written more than 300 peer-reviewed publications. He received his Ph.D. in nuclear engineering and an M.S. degree in materials science from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Dr. Zinkle is a fellow of these seven professional societies: the American Nuclear Society, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS), ASM International, Materials Research Society, American Physical Society, American Ceramic Society, and American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has served on a variety of national committees including the National Academies National Materials & Manufacturing Board (2015-2020) and the Department of Energy Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (2009-2015). He is currently co-chair of the National Academies Condensed Matter and Materials Research Committee. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering.