To address the critical challenge of synergistically enhancing both high-temperature mechanical properties and thermal conductivity in neutron-absorbing materials for dry storage of spent nuclear fuel, this study proposes an innovative strategy. This approach involves the controlled distribution, size, and crystalline states of nano-Al₂O₃ within an aluminum matrix. By combining plastic deformation and heat treatment, we aim to achieve a structurally integrated functional design. A systematic investigation was conducted on the microstructural evolution of Al₂O₃/10 wt.% B₄C/Al composites in their forged, extruded, and heat-treated states. We also examined how these states affect high-temperature mechanical properties and thermal conductivity. The results indicate that applying hot extrusion deformation along with optimized heat treatment parameters (500 °C for 24 h) allows for a lamellar dispersion of nano-Al₂O₃ and a crystallographic transition from amorphous to γ-phase. As a result, the composite demonstrates a tensile strength of 144 MPa and an enhanced thermal conductivity of 181 W/(m·K) at 350 °C. These findings provide theoretical insights and technical support for ensuring the high density and long-term safety of spent fuel storage materials.

Nanoscale Cu-rich precipitates (CRPs) play a crucial role in the irradiation embrittlement of reactor pressure vessels (RPVs), and binary Fe-Cu alloys serve as practical models to study the evolution of these precipitates. This study investigates the electrical resistivity of an Fe-1.17 wt.% Cu model alloy aged at 450 °C to enhance the understanding of electrical measurements for the non-destructive assessment of RPV irradiation embrittlement. Multi-level characterization methods were used to obtain quantitative data on multi-scale microstructures, including precipitates, dislocations, and grains. The formation and growth of CRPs were found to align closely with the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami model, and the variation in electrical resistivity showed a strong correlation with the evolution of the microstructure. Combined with detailed quantitative microstructure evolution analysis, an electrical resistivity prediction model that considers microstructural mechanisms has been developed. This model can accurately show the effect of CRPs on resistivity and can potentially be extended to RPV steels with other solute-rich precipitates, with a maximum absolute percentage error not exceeding 5%. These results provide a robust basis for the non-destructive and in-service evaluation of RPV irradiation embrittlement using electrical resistivity.

Creep is one of the primary degradation mechanisms affecting the performance of the 800H alloy under long-term high-temperature stress conditions. Understanding the microstructural evolution during creep and developing a quantitative model to relate these changes to mechanical properties are essential for assessing creep damage and ensuring the safe operation of high-temperature equipment. By conducting a multiscale quantitative characterization of the microstructures in the 800H alloy across different creep stages, we systematically examined the evolution of various microstructural features and their influence on Young’s modulus. A quantitative prediction model of Young’s modulus based on microstructural characteristics was developed, achieving a prediction accuracy exceeding 95% with a mean absolute percentage error of just 1.59% compared to experimental values. This work not only elucidates the intrinsic relationship between microstructural features and macroscopic mechanical properties but also provides a foundation for the in-service creep damage assessment of high-temperature components.

Difficult-to-machine metallic materials, distinguished by their high strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance, are indispensable in critical fields such as aerospace and defense. However, these very attributes also pose substantial challenges to conventional machining technologies. As an advanced external-field machining technology, electropulsing-assisted machining provides unique advantages in enhancing plastic deformability, refining microstructures, improving machining precision, and boosting efficiency. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the fundamental mechanisms governing the interaction between electropulsing and metallic materials, synthesizes the latest advances in electropulsing-assisted machining methods, and highlights unresolved challenges alongside promising future directions. By bridging the gap between material science and advanced manufacturing, this review aims to stimulate innovation and accelerate the adoption of electropulsing-assisted machining in the processing of next-generation high-performance metallic materials.