Radiation resistant electrical insulation materials for nuclear reactors using novel nanocomposite dielectrics

Description of project: The primary objective of this project is to initiate the development of a transformative materials system using nanocomposite dielectric technology to increase the radiation and thermal resistance (>150 ºC) of electrical insulating materials for nuclear environments. Recently there has been renewed interest in nuclear reactor safety especially as it relates to cable insulation from commercial reactors approaching and surpassing their original 40 years’ service. While the current materials that are deployed in nuclear reactors have been effective, the next generation of nuclear reactors may push these materials beyond these limits where the combined environmental effects of radiation, temperature and moisture, or operation during abnormal conditions may become more important.