We just got a preprint available in arXiv.org for the general audience:
In this manuscript, we performed a complete electron-microscopy characterization of the delta-phase Zirconium Hydride (delta-ZrH) currently under manufacturing, research and development to be used as moderator materials in future microreactors. H-based materials are ideal candidates for the process of slowing down the kinetic energy of neutrons – a physical process known as thermalisation. I recommend checking the radiation transport works from Prof. Larsen at Uni. of Michigan if you want to know more about it. By slowing down the neutron energy within a reactor, nuclear fission can be achieved and sustained in a controlled manner.
When ZrH are produced from Zr-based alloys instead of using pure Zr (such advantages are discussed in our preprint), H is observed to play a major role in assisting a complete chemical redistribution of the alloy’s solid solution. Our experimental characterization in this present preprint validates previously reported computational materials science results from M. Christensen et al. in 2014 (Materials Design Inc.) and thus, such results are of paramount importance for the future design of novel materials based on transition metal hydrides.
This is also the inaugural paper of my friend’s doctoral dissertation, Mr. D.M.S. Parkison, a bright PhD student from the prestigious University of California at Berkeley. Mr. Parkison has a privileged skeptical and investigative mind, and I found myself very honored and grateful to meet and work with him. I am pretty sure we are all going to hear a lot about his future accomplishments in scientific research!
As usual, we are open for suggestions and criticisms that may arise from this preprint!
Materials at Extremes 