Material selection and R&D

Material requirements

  • Reproducible fabrication, workability and weldability: the material s have to be machined, rolled or bent but also welded

  • Heat resistance: limited decrease of strength and toughness with temperature

  • Dimensional stability: resistance to irradiation induced swelling and creep

  • Mechanical resistance: sufficient strenght with limited loss of ductility and fracture toughness under irradiation in liquid metal, and acceptable He-embrittlement

  • Corrosion resistance: very limited dissolution and intergranular attack by Pb-Bi

  • Compatibility with Pb-Bi: good embrittlement resistance under the synergetic effects of irradiation and liquid metal flow.