Articles tagged with "corrosion-resistance"
US ramps up nanofluids research for molten salt nuclear reactors
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded a grant to Solidion Technology Inc., a Dallas-based battery technology company, to scale up production of carbon nanospheres used as anti-corrosive additives in molten salt heat transfer fluids for advanced nuclear reactors. This project, conducted in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, focuses on developing nanofluids—colloidal suspensions of hollow carbon nanoparticles in molten salts—to enhance heat transfer efficiency and reduce corrosion in molten salt reactors (MSRs) and small modular reactors (SMRs). By addressing these challenges, the technology aims to improve reactor safety, lower operational costs, and accelerate commercialization of cleaner nuclear energy systems. Solidion, traditionally focused on advanced battery materials, is expanding into nuclear energy research with this grant, marking its second recent DOE award following funding from ARPA-E for biomass-derived graphite production. The company holds over 525 patents related to energy storage technologies and plans to leverage this new funding to contribute to US efforts in advancing low-carbon
energynuclear-reactorsmolten-salt-reactorsnanofluidscorrosion-resistancethermal-performanceadvanced-materialsDiscover Archimedys: The solution to simplify your conveyor design
The article introduces Archimedys, an advanced auger screw conveyor designed to overcome the limitations of traditional steel screws in conveyor systems. Engineered for abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, and tolerance to misalignment, Archimedys is particularly suited for harsh industrial environments. It offers significant maintenance advantages by reducing replacement times and allowing partial module replacement instead of full screw changes, thereby minimizing downtime and operational costs. Archimedys is also gentle on conveyed products, preserving their quality while operating efficiently at temperatures as low as -25°C. Its lighter weight reduces the load on conveyors, leading to lower energy consumption and overall cost-effectiveness. The conveyor is positioned as an ideal solution for conveyor manufacturers, maintenance companies, and industrial businesses seeking durability, efficiency, and ease of maintenance in demanding conditions.
materialsconveyor-technologyabrasion-resistancecorrosion-resistanceindustrial-equipmentenergy-efficiencymaintenance-optimizationChina's zinc–bromine battery runs 700 cycles with minimal corrosion
Chinese scientists led by Professor LI Xianfeng at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics have developed a novel bromine-based two-electron transfer reaction system that significantly improves zinc–bromine flow battery performance. This innovation addresses a major challenge in bromine-based flow batteries: the accumulation of corrosive elemental bromine (Br2) during charging, which typically accelerates component degradation and shortens battery life. By introducing amine compounds as bromine scavengers into the electrolyte, the researchers converted free bromine into brominated amine compounds, maintaining bromine concentrations at an ultra-low level (around 7 mM). This approach reduces electrolyte corrosivity and enhances battery stability and energy density. Applying this reaction system in a zinc–bromine flow battery enabled the use of a standard, non-fluorinated ion-exchange membrane, significantly lowering costs by avoiding expensive corrosion-resistant materials. The battery demonstrated stable operation for over 700 cycles at a current density of 40 mA/cm²
energyflow-batteryzinc-bromine-batterybattery-technologyenergy-storagecorrosion-resistanceelectrolyte-innovationNew super steel could protect nuclear reactors from lead corrosion
A breakthrough study by researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology has revealed the rapid and severe corrosion mechanism of AISI 316L stainless steel when exposed to liquid lead at high temperatures (up to 800°C or 1472°F). Contrary to previous assumptions that a protective iron oxide layer forms, the study found that an ultra-thin liquid lead film—only one micron thick—triggers nickel leaching from the steel. This nickel dissolves into the lead, leaving behind a weak, porous ferritic structure prone to being eroded by flowing lead coolant, resulting in metal loss measured in millimeters per year rather than microns. Because this corrosion process fundamentally attacks the steel’s composition, simply modifying the alloy is unlikely to prevent degradation. Instead, the researchers propose a layered composite solution using alumina-forming ferritic steels (FeCrAl), which develop a self-healing alumina (Al2O3) film that resists lead corrosion even at extreme temperatures. When combined with conventional
materialsstainless-steelcorrosion-resistancenuclear-reactorssuper-steelhigh-temperature-materialsmetal-corrosionAn everyday carry built for those who value craftsmanship over clout
The Tekto F2 Bravo is a compact everyday carry (EDC) knife designed to balance style, performance, and durability. Featuring a titanium-coated D2 steel drop-point blade, it offers excellent sharpness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. The knife’s sleek handle combines forged carbon fiber or G10 with titanium hardware, resulting in a refined yet rugged aesthetic. Weighing just 2.04 ounces, it is lightweight and comfortable for daily use, with ergonomic design elements like recessed liners and a natural thumb placement that enhance grip and control. However, the fixed pocket clip is not ambidextrous, which may be less convenient for left-handed users. Performance-wise, the F2 Bravo excels in various cutting tasks, from slicing cardboard to trimming fabric, with smooth and fast deployment enabled by ceramic ball bearings and a reliable liner lock mechanism. Its durability is supported by high-quality materials and build, including titanium fittings that resist corrosion and a blade coating that minimizes wear. Tekto backs the
materialstitaniumD2-steelforged-carbon-fiberG10-handlecorrosion-resistanceedge-retentionGE-Hitachi unveils advanced nuclear fuel for boiling water reactors
Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF), a GE Vernova-led alliance with Hitachi, has introduced GNF4, a next-generation nuclear fuel designed for boiling water reactors (BWRs) in the US. Scheduled for initial deployment in 2026 and full availability by 2030, GNF4 features an advanced 11×11 fuel matrix that increases the heat-generating surface area, enhancing uranium utilization and boosting power output. The design incorporates two key components approved by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC): Ziron Cladding, which offers superior corrosion resistance and reduces hydrogen pickup compared to traditional Zircaloy 2 cladding, and Aluminosilicate Doped Uranium Dioxide Pellets, providing accident-tolerant protection against pellet-clad interaction (PCI). In addition to these innovations, GNF4 leverages proven technologies such as NSF Channel Material, a zirconium alloy that resists fuel channel distortion, and the Defender+ Debris Filter, which has a strong track
energynuclear-fuelboiling-water-reactorsadvanced-materialscorrosion-resistanceuranium-dioxide-pelletsfuel-assembly-designOne startup’s paper-thin stainless steel could change how bridges are built
The article discusses a startup, Allium, that has developed a novel stainless steel-clad rebar designed to significantly improve the durability of concrete bridges by preventing corrosion. Traditional steel rebar embedded in concrete is prone to rust, especially in bridges exposed to water and salt, leading to premature structural failure. While stainless steel rebar resists corrosion, its high cost limits its use to only the most critical bridges. Allium’s innovation involves covering conventional rebar with a thin layer (about 0.2 mm) of stainless steel, which can extend a bridge’s lifespan from 30 to 100 years. This approach aims to offer corrosion resistance comparable to full stainless steel rebar but at a cost similar to or potentially lower than epoxy-coated rebar, the current mid-tier solution. Allium’s stainless-clad rebar has already been used in several bridge deck replacements in the U.S., including projects in Massachusetts, California, and Florida. Unlike epoxy-coated rebar, which requires careful handling,
materialsstainless-steelcorrosion-resistancebridge-constructioninfrastructurerebarconcrete-reinforcementNew catalyst fights seawater corrosion for hydrogen production
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) have developed a novel MXene-based composite catalyst that significantly improves the durability and efficiency of seawater electrolysis for hydrogen production. Seawater electrolysis has been hindered by chloride ions that corrode electrodes, limiting system lifespan. By deliberately oxidizing MXene and combining it with nickel ferrite (NiFe₂O₄) through high-energy ball milling, the team created a catalyst that exhibits about five times higher current density and twice the durability compared to conventional catalysts. This composite also strongly repels chloride ions, reducing corrosion risks and enabling stable hydrogen output directly from seawater. The catalyst’s performance was validated not only in laboratory conditions but also in an actual electrolysis unit cell, demonstrating its practical viability. The process yields uniform and reproducible catalysts suitable for mass production, addressing the critical balance between conductivity, durability, and performance needed for scaling up hydrogen systems worldwide. Supported by Korean energy research institutions and published in the journal ACS Nano
energyhydrogen-productioncatalystMXeneseawater-electrolysiscorrosion-resistancematerials-scienceCarbon cloth electrode produces hydrogen for 800 hours in seawater
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), led by Dr. Ji-Hyung Han, have developed a durable carbon cloth electrode capable of stable hydrogen production from seawater electrolysis for over 800 hours at industrial-level current densities (500 mA/cm²). This breakthrough addresses key challenges in seawater electrolysis, such as corrosion from chloride ions and performance degradation under high current conditions. The team achieved this by applying an optimized acid treatment—immersing carbon cloth in concentrated nitric acid at 100°C within a sealed vessel—to enhance hydrophilicity and enable uniform dispersion of cobalt, molybdenum, and ruthenium ions as catalysts. The electrode, containing only 1% ruthenium by weight, demonstrated a 25% reduction in overpotential compared to conventional catalysts, translating to a 1.3-fold increase in hydrogen evolution efficiency. The electrode maintained its structural integrity and catalytic performance without leaching metals into the electrolyte throughout the extended operation, highlighting its corrosion
energyhydrogen-productionseawater-electrolysiscarbon-cloth-electrodecorrosion-resistancerenewable-energymaterials-scienceTough alloy tested at 1112°F to replace steel in nuclear reactors
Researchers at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) are investigating high entropy alloys (HEAs) as potential replacements for stainless steel in nuclear reactors, aiming to improve materials that withstand extreme heat and radiation. HEAs differ from conventional alloys by combining five or more metals in roughly equal atomic proportions, resulting in a stable solid solution with a distorted lattice structure that imparts unique properties such as high strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, and radiation tolerance. The study focused on an HEA composed of iron, manganese, chromium, and nickel, chosen for its stability at high temperatures and manufacturability. Using the ultrabright synchrotron light at the Canadian Light Source, the team exposed the HEA to high-energy protons at 752°F (400°C) and 1112°F (600°C) under varying radiation doses. They observed the formation of small defects called Frank Loops, which increased with temperature, and noted elemental segregation within the alloy at higher temperatures. While the HEA demonstrated better
materialshigh-entropy-alloysnuclear-reactorsradiation-resistancesuperalloysenergy-materialscorrosion-resistanceFinnish firm produces copper blank for waste nuclear fuel repository
Finnish radioactive waste management company Posiva has produced its first copper casting blank for fabricating a final disposal canister intended for the Onkalo spent nuclear fuel repository, the world’s first deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel. The casting, completed at Luvata’s plant in Pori, weighed over 17 tons initially and will be machined down to about 12 tons before delivery to the cylinder manufacturer. The casting process was overseen by Finland’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) and involved quality improvements such as a larger gravity die to increase casting diameter, ensuring high-quality copper blanks essential for subsequent canister production phases. The copper canister, with five-centimeter-thick walls, acts as a corrosion barrier surrounding a cast iron inner structure that holds 12 spent fuel elements. The inner cast iron component provides structural support and fuel placement, while the copper shell and lid are tightly welded to prevent groundwater intrusion, thereby stopping radionuclides from leaking into the environment. After
energynuclear-waste-managementcopper-castingmaterials-engineeringcorrosion-resistanceradioactive-waste-disposaldeep-geological-repositoryScalable method efficiently squeezes hydrogen from seawater
Researchers have developed a novel, scalable method to efficiently produce hydrogen directly from seawater, overcoming longstanding challenges such as corrosion and performance degradation caused by chloride ions. The key innovation is a custom-designed, multi-layered electrode featuring carbonate (CO₃²⁻) Lewis base sites anchored on cobalt layered double hydroxides (Co LDH) embedded within a nickel borate (NiBOx) nanostructure supported by a Ni(OH)₂/NF microarray. This structure creates a protective microenvironment that resists chloride-induced corrosion by forming a metaborate film, preventing metal dissolution and non-conductive oxide formation, thereby enhancing durability and efficiency in saline conditions. The electrode achieves an industrially relevant current density of 1.0 A cm⁻² at 1.65 V under standard conditions without requiring desalination or chemical additives, marking a significant advance toward sustainable, large-scale green hydrogen production. The carbonate-functionalized Co sites facilitate continuous water splitting and localized acidification, which improves oxygen evolution reaction kinetics and protects against chloride attack. This technology holds particular promise for arid coastal regions like the UAE, where abundant seawater and sunlight but limited freshwater resources could enable solar-powered hydrogen farms, potentially revolutionizing hydrogen production by reducing reliance on freshwater and energy-intensive desalination processes.
energyhydrogen-productionseawater-electrolysisgreen-hydrogencorrosion-resistancenanostructured-electrodesrenewable-energy