Korean team succeeds in developing neutron absorber for nuclear fuel storage

KONAS [Courtesy of Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute]

A South Korean research team achieved a significant breakthrough in the field of nuclear energy by successfully localizing a neutron absorber, an essential component of a container to store used nuclear fuel. Used nuclear fuel, left over from nuclear reactors in power plants, must be stored in secure containers to ensure safety and the neutron absorber is a crucial material that influences the performance and cost-effectiveness of these containers. Until now, Korea, like many other countries, has been importing expensive neutron absorbers, primarily from the United States and Japan.

On Monday, a team of researchers from Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute announced the development of the neutron absorber, which it named “KONAS”.

Test data showed KONAS has superior performance compared to foreign products that are currently available, with its neutron absorption capability was confirmed to be more than 1.6 times higher than that of the foreign products. Its yield strength, a measure of resistance to deformation, is twice as high, and its elongation, which measures the ability to withstand stretching without breaking, is a remarkable 20 times greater than foreign alternatives, according to the research team.

The research team attributes its success to a thorough process during the manufacturing and evaluation of more than 400 different alloys to secure the optimal composition and heat treatment techniques that resulted in the world’s highest-performing neutron absorber.

KONAS’s entry into the global market is a positive sign, with the global market for neutron absorber materials estimated to be worth nearly $5 billion. KONAS has already completed the patent application process in Korea and is set to apply for international patents in countries such as the United States, Europe, and Japan later in the month. Following further research into process optimization, the team plans to collaborate with Korean industrial partners to facilitate KONAS’ commercialization by the end of 2024.