16: Why Nuclear Materials Science Can Expedite Our Path Towards a Cleaner Society (feat. Dr. Liz Kautz)

In politics, warfare, and the environment, nuclear materials generate great impact in our lives. The public fears nuclear technology, but nuclear energy is one of the most reliable sources of clean power, and it will lead the transition towards the sustainable energy future of humankind.

 

Today’s guest is Dr. Liz Kautz, a Materials Scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. In this episode, Dr. Kautz guides us through the fundamentals of nuclear energy, the materials that make it happen, how to manage nuclear waste and much more!

 

In this conversation, we discuss the following topics:

• What are nuclear materials? (1:02)
• The purpose of cladding materials in nuclear reactors (2:51)
• Fusion and fission nuclear reactions (5:21)
• What makes an alloy a Nuclear alloy? (9:12)
• The bad reputation of nuclear power (11:39)
• Why are Uranium fuels special? (16:00)
• The impact of nuclear on society (24:00)
• The future of nuclear reactors (29:05)

 

Reach out to Dr. Liz Kautz: 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-kautz-69992214

 

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Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed by either guests or hosts in this show are their own, and do not represent the opinions of the companies or organizations for which they are affiliated.