Abstract
The specific requirements in the selection of materials for use in nuclear reactors are discussed in relation to the basic facts of the fission reaction. Examples are given of the way in which these lead to:
(a) Limitations on the permissible levels of elements of high thermal-neutron capture cross-section.
(b) Purity limitations arising from the need to restrict corrosion rates to an extent that will enable components to last a full reactor lifetime without replacement or maintenance.
(c) Purity limitations imposed by the problem of the release of long-lived gamma-emitting nuclides to parts of the circuit outside the reactor shield.
(d) Limitations on trace impurities which are significant to the radiationdamage process.
(e) Particular requirements for crystal and pore structure related to radiation damage or in-pile corrosion phenomena.
(f) Special needs concerning material properties created by the existence of high heat fluxes in nuclear systems.
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