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TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: MoltenClad
Contact and place of performance
Kathleen McDonald
Los Alamos, NM 87545
USA
Protective Metallic Coatings via Electrodeposition MoltenClad delivers a first-of-its-kind capability to deposit dense, uniform metallic coatings onto nuclear fuel pellets using molten salt electrodeposition. Unlike line-of-sight methods that leave gaps in coverage, electrodeposition surrounds the entire fuel surface with a protective barrier in a single process step. The technique, developed by scientists at Los Ala...
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MoltenClad resolves the core limitations of conventional coating approaches by operating through an electrochemical mechanism rather than a directional deposition process. Because the molten salt bath fully surrounds the fuel pellet, the coating eliminates the line-of-sight restriction that plagues vapor-based methods. The electrochemical process avoids harsh chemical precursors that can leach or corrode an actinide substrate, and the byproducts of the reaction remain dissolved in the salt rather than contaminating the coating. While the process does operate at elevated temperatures, those temperatures remain well within the compatibility range for relevant materials. Coating quality, including thickness, density and microstructure, can be precisely controlled by adjusting the salt mixture composition, operating temperature and electrochemical parameters. Characterization of the resulting zirconium coatings has confirmed excellent adhesion to the fuel substrate with no inclusions or microcracks. The technique also extends beyond zirconium; other refractory metals such as tantalum, tungsten and molybdenum can potentially be deposited using the same platform, broadening its applicability to diverse extreme-environment scenarios.
Advantages
Market Applications
TRL 3
US Patent pending
LA-UR-26-24102
LANL Tech Partnerships: Unlock the Innovative Potential
Los Alamos National Laboratory offers a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that may provide your company with a competitive edge in the market and unlock the innovative potential that can enhance, refine, and revolutionize your products.
LANL’s licensing program focuses on moving inventions developed by our researchers to commercial innovations. Patented and patent pending inventions and copyrighted software are available to existing and start-up companies through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. For specific discussions, please contact [email protected].
Note: This is not a call for external services for the development of this technology.
https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/feynman-center/partner-with-us/licensing-technology
m.lanl.gov/tech-search
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is offering a technology licensing opportunity for MoltenClad, a specialized molten salt electrodeposition process designed to apply dense, uniform metallic coatings to nuclear fuel pellets. Managed by Triad National Security, LLC, a Department of Energy contractor, this solicitation focuses on commercializing an electrochemical mechanism that provides full-surface coverage, overcoming the line-of-sight limitations of conventional vapor deposition methods. The technology is categorized under NAICS 325180 for Other Basic Inorganic Chemical Manufacturing and PSC AN12 for Health R&D Services; Health Care Services; Applied Research.
The MoltenClad platform addresses manufacturing gaps in the nuclear fuel supply chain by creating a protective barrier against extreme temperatures, corrosion, and neutron radiation. Developed at LANL and currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3, the process allows for the precise tuning of coating thickness, density, and microstructure by adjusting salt composition and electrochemical parameters. While initially demonstrated with zirconium coatings for accident-tolerant fuel concepts, the technique is adaptable for other refractory metals such as tantalum, tungsten, and molybdenum. Potential market applications include advanced nuclear reactors, aerospace components, and defense-related power sources.
This Special Notice, identified by solicitation number S-167741, has a response deadline of June 30, 2026. The place of performance is Los Alamos, New Mexico, and no set-aside has been designated for this opportunity (Set-aside NONE). Interested parties may seek exclusive or non-exclusive licensing agreements for the pending U.S. Patent (LA-UR-26-24102) by contacting Kathleen McDonald or the LANL licensing office. This notice is an invitation for technology transfer and does not constitute a request for external development services.
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