September 20, 2024
Free Form Fibers was awarded a phase II SBIR Award from the Nuclear Energy division of the Department of Energy to continue its technology development of hybrid cladding for nuclear fuel rods. The program is a 24 month effort that builds on the phase I progress made in demonstrating the feasibility and manufacturability of a combined metal – ceramic matrix composite clad structure for the fuel rod that contains the uranium-containing fuel pellets. This work contributes to the national focus on devising improved safety measures in nuclear power plants to prevent a Fukushima-type accident.