Advanced Structural Materials for Gas-Cooled Fast Reactors—A Review

Abstract

This review summarizes the development of the Gas-Cooled Fast Reactor (GFR) concept from the early 1970s until now, focusing specifically on structural materials and advanced fuel cladding materials. Materials for future nuclear energy systems must operate under more extreme conditions than those in the current Gen II or Gen III systems. These conditions include higher temperatures, a higher displacement per atom, and more corrosive environments. This paper reviews previous GFR concepts in light of several promising candidate materials for the GFR system. It also reviews the recent development of nuclear power and its use in the peaceful exploration of space. The final section focuses on the development and testing of new advanced materials such as SiCf/SiC composites and high entropy alloys (HEA) for the construction and development of GFRs.