Improved and Innovative Accident-Tolerant Nuclear Fuel Materials Considered for Retrofitting Light Water Reactors—A Review

Since 2011, there has been an international effort to evaluate the behavior of newer fuel rod materials for the retrofitting of existing light water reactors (LWR). These materials include concepts for the cladding of the fuel and for the fuel itself. The materials can be broadly categorized into evolutionary or improved existing materials and revolutionary or innovative materials. The purpose of the newer materials or accident-tolerant fuels (ATF) is to make the LWRs more resistant to loss-of-coolant accidents and thus increase their operation safety. The benefits and detriments of the three main concepts for the cladding are discussed. These include (i) coatings for existing zirconium alloys; (ii) monolithic iron–chromium–aluminum alloys; and (iii) composites based on silicon carbide. The use of ATF materials may help extend the life of currently operating LWRs, while also being a link to material development for future commercial reactors.