Patent — available for licensing
Additively Manufactured Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Steel for Nuclear and High-Temperature Applications
A NASA invention available to explore as a licensing opportunity.
About this technology
Overview
Advanced nuclear energy systems require materials that endure extreme temperatures and intense radiation while maintaining structural integrity. Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels incorporate nanoscale ceramic particles to enhance high-temperature mechanical properties and radiation tolerance, making them ideal for these demanding environments. However, traditional ODS steel manufacturing relies on mechanical alloying that deforms powder particles during additive manufacturing processes. This incompatibility with modern manufacturing methods has severely limited the applicability of ODS steels in next-generation nuclear systems. In response to this issue, engineers at NASA Glenn Research Center developed Additively Manufactured Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Steel for Nuclear and High-Temperature Applications. This invention coats iron-chromium steel powder with yttria nanoparticles while preserving the flowability needed for additive manufacturing, producing high-strength, radiation-resistant components with design flexibility for nuclear applications.