Atomic arrangement in metals accelerates corrosion in nuclear reactors

Atomic arrangement in metals creates "corrosion highways" in nuclear reactors, accelerating degradation. Researchers found that specific atomic ordering in structural metals significantly impacts corrosion rates in molten salt reactors, even with identical chemical compositions. Simulations revealed long-range ordering creates pathways for rapid corrosion. This discovery, detailed in Corrosion Science, could lead to improved predictive models for alloy behavior in extreme reactor environments, enhancing safety and efficiency.