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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
The Department of Energy, through Triad National Security, LLC at Los Alamos National Laboratory, is seeking commercial partners to license MoltenClad, a novel electrochemical deposition technology. This special notice, identified by solicitation number S-167741, offers a method for applying dense, uniform metallic coatings to nuclear fuel pellets using molten salt electrodeposition. Unlike traditional line-of-sight vapor deposition methods that leave coverage gaps, this electrochemical process surrounds the entire fuel surface in a single step to create a protective barrier. The technology is designed to enhance fuel durability against extreme temperatures, corrosion, and radiation, specifically supporting the development of advanced reactor fuels and accident-tolerant fuel concepts.
The MoltenClad platform operates at Technology Readiness Level 3 and addresses manufacturing gaps by avoiding harsh chemical precursors and excessive temperatures that can damage ceramic substrates. The process allows for precise control over coating thickness and density by adjusting salt composition and electrical parameters. While demonstrated with zirconium coatings for neutron transparency, the platform is adaptable for depositing other refractory metals such as tantalum, tungsten, and molybdenum. Potential applications include advanced nuclear reactors, naval and portable power sources, aerospace components, and isotope production.
This licensing opportunity is classified under NAICS 325180 for Other Basic Inorganic Chemical Manufacturing and PSC AN12 for Health R&D Services; Health Care Services; Applied Research. There is no set-aside designated for this notice. Responses are due by June 30, 2026, and the primary point of contact is Kathleen McDonald. The place of performance is Los Alamos, New Mexico, and the technology is associated with pending U.S. Patent LA-UR-26-24102. This notice is an invitation for licensing agreements rather than a request for external development services.
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