Multiscale Systems has received a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The award supports the development of advanced materials for use in next-generation nuclear reactors and targets a key challenge in the industry: material failure of components in Generation IV reactors exposed to molten salts and liquid metal coolants.

The award builds on Multiscale’s previous DOE-funded research into bimetallic functionally graded materials as well as its current portfolio of Alloy Composite™ technology. With this project, the team will develop functionally-graded alloys tailored for the extreme demands of Gen IV systems. Components made with these optimized Alloy Composite materials will better resist corrosion, wear, and thermal damage, in turn improving safety, efficiency, and service life of nuclear technologies.

To fabricate optimized Alloy Composite parts, Multiscale will use its in-house wire-laser metal deposition (w-LMD) hybrid systems. These systems combine w-LMD with precision CNC machining in a single setup for fast, efficient production of complex and multi-material parts. This advanced additive/subtractive process enables the production of functionally-graded materials with unique performance characteristics not achievable through traditional manufacturing methods.

If successful, this project opens a pathway to components not currently available in the commercial nuclear market. The resulting advanced nuclear materials development also benefit aerospace, defense, and other sectors where reliability under extreme conditions is essential.

The benefits of this project are two fold: it aligns with the mission of the Office of Nuclear Energy by developing clean, secure energy technologies and by strengthening domestic nuclear capabilities; and customers of Multiscale Systems will gain access to highly durable materials designed to perform under extreme conditions.