Development Status of Control Rod Neutron Absorber Materials for Light Water Reactors with Extended Control Rod Lifetime and Enhanced Safety

The control rod neutron absorbers for light water reactors with extended lifetime and enhanced safety are being developed. It is an innovative material concept that can extend the by reducing irradiation-induced swelling compared to existing absorber materials utilizing oxide-based materials. Furthermore, it enhance improving various characteristics such as oxidation, eutectic reaction, volatilization behaviors of material. First, composition composed a combination structure stabilizers has been designed candidates rods. preliminary manufacturability test candidates, confirmed possibility be fabricated using conventional ceramic manufacturing process. In addition, neutronic calculation/analysis out-of-pile tests (neutron phase stability, oxidation corrosion resistance, interaction reaction between tube material, melting behavior, etc.) in progress. also preparing in-reactor selected at HANARO research reactor KAERI.