ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.
Explore the many uses for nuclear science and its impact on energy, the environment, healthcare, food, and more.
Explore membership for yourself or for your organization.
Conference Spotlight
2026 Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
Latest Magazine Issues
Nov 2025
Jul 2025
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
December 2025
Nuclear Technology
Fusion Science and Technology
November 2025
Latest News
Education and training to support Canadian nuclear workforce development
Along with several other nations, Canada has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050. Part of this plan is tripling nuclear generating capacity. As of 2025, the country has four operating nuclear generating stations with a total of 17 reactors, 16 of which are in the province of Ontario. The Independent Electricity System Operator has recommended that an additional 17,800 MWe of nuclear power be added to Ontario’s grid.
R. H. Bohanon, A. P. Shivprasad, D. S. Cheu, M. A. Torrez, E. L. Tegtmeier, H. R. Trellue, E. P. Luther, R. P. Wilkerson, M. K. O’Brien, S. S. Raiman, C. A. Kohnert
Nuclear Technology | Volume 211 | Number 2 | October 2025 | Pages S39-S52
Research Articles | doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2025.2462468
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Yttrium hydride is a promising material for a high-temperature neutron moderator in advanced micro and space reactors due to its high hydrogen density and relative thermal stability compared to other metal hydrides. However, yttrium hydride desorbs hydrogen rapidly at temperatures above 800°C, which is below the operational temperature range of some reactor designs. A hydrogen barrier coating of oxide on the hydride surface may inhibit hydrogen loss at 800°C and beyond, but the high-temperature compatibility between yttrium hydride and many oxides is currently unknown.
The high-temperature compatibility of Al2O3, MgO, and Y2O3 with YH1.92 was examined by subjecting mixed oxide–hydride pellets to a 1200°C heat treatment then using a combination of diffractometry, microscopy, and spectroscopy to determine changes in the pellet composition as a result. Yttrium scavenged oxygen from both Al2O3 and MgO to form Y2O3, resulting in significant loss of YH1.92. Yttrium reacted with reduced aluminum to form YAl2 and several other compounds. Reduced magnesium volatilized above 1091°C and vacated the pellet. Only Y2O3 did not appreciably react with YH1.92. Of the three oxides tested, only Y2O3 was compatible with YH1.92 at 1200°C based on the experimental criteria.
