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New materials for thermonuclear fusion reactors
What is being analysed within this research framework?
We are analysing the structure
of some special steel, at microscopic levels,
made to form part of the walls
of a fusion reactor.
A fusion reactor is a nuclear reactor,
not a fission reactor, like those now existing,
in which a heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei,
that reacts to the contrary.
This means two lighter nuclei unit to form a heavier nucleus,
and this union emits a lot of energy.
This energy is to be amassed in the form of electricity.
and then transformed into electric energy.
What are the difficulties in seeking materials for future nuclear fusion reactors?
The reaction of the fusion is the same as occurs in the stars.
We want to bring a star down to the earth
and we want to put it inside a container.
It must also be removed from the walls.
More so, these walls will be very close to our star,
and will then be subjected to extremely high temperatures.
And also the damage from the neutrons
which happens during the reaction itself
and which will collide against the steel, against the material on the walls.
What is special about the material yielded?
The material is special for two reasons, we may say.
Firstly, it contains very tiny nanometre-sized particles,
scattered on the steel.
A nanometre is a very small size.
It is like dividing a millimetre into a million parts.
The result will be a nanometre. And these particles are extremely tiny.
When scattered on the steel it is possible for the steel
to resist the extremely high temperatures.
And the damage caused by radiation, damage of the neutrons,
is also easier to resist.
Secondly, also, the steel becomes low-activation material.
What does that mean?
It means certain elements, often added to steel,
because of the properties, for example, nickel or molybdenum,
often added, have been replaced,
for other elements like tungsten, tantalum, vanadium,
which perform the same function,
except that this way the steel is only active for less time.
That is, it can be touched, lifted and handled
without any personal damage,
a lot earlier than if the steel rather contained the other elements.
When will such materials be made available for nuclear fusion reactors?
The steel in particular,
the steel reinforced with the tiny particles,
the nano-particles, are almost ready for DEMO.
DEMO is the first fusion reactor to be connected
to an electric energy production plant.
But of course, before using them in DEMO
we want to test then in a reactor, and then test them in ITER.
ITER will be the first experimental reactor.
It is currently under construction in the south of France, in Cadarache.
And that is where we want to demonstrate that fusion is reliable,
both at scientific and at technology levels.
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