Radiation-resistant and Microstructure-engineered Materials for Nuclear Applications

This Research Topic focuses on radiation-resistant and microstructure-engineered materials for nuclear applications, highlighting strategies to enhance material performance under extreme irradiation environments. It explores the role of grain boundary engineering, nanostructuring, and interface design in mitigating radiation-induced defects, hardening, and embrittlement. Contributions may include experimental characterization, modeling of microstructure–property relationships, and design of ferritic, oxide-dispersion-strengthened, and other high-performance alloys. The goal is to provide a comprehensive platform for innovative approaches that combine materials design, microstructural control, and irradiation response, enabling safer, longer-lasting, and higher-performance materials for next-generation nuclear systems.Materials used in nuclear reactors and advanced nuclear systems are exposed to extreme environments, including high radiation fluxes, temperature gradients, and corrosive conditions. These conditions induce defects, irradiation hardening, embrittlement, and microstructural degradation, limiting component lifetime and safety. Conventional materials often fail to meet the stringent performance and durability requirements for next-generation reactors. There is an urgent need for microstructure-engineered materials, designed at the grain, interface, and nanoscale levels, to resist radiation-induced damage and maintain mechanical and thermal performance. This Research Topic aims to address these challenges by highlighting innovative materials design and characterization strategies.This Research Topic invites contributions on radiation-resistant and microstructure-engineered materials for nuclear applications. We encourage submissions addressing: •Grain boundary and interface engineering to improve radiation tolerance•Nanostructuring strategies for enhanced defect resistance•Irradiation-induced hardening and embrittlement mitigation; microstructure–property relationships in nuclear alloys •Ferritic, oxide-dispersion-strengthened, and other high-performance alloys•Experimental, computational, or modeling studies that provide insights into radiation response. Types of manuscripts: original research, review articles, perspectives, and methodological papers are all welcome. Contributions should advance knowledge of materials design for safer, longer-lasting, and high-performance nuclear systems. Topic editors: Parikshit Bajpai, Andre Ruybalid Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79166/radiation-resistant-and-microstructure-engineered-materials-for-nuclear-applications