The known unknowns of Molten Salt Reactors

Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) are a class of reactors in which a molten salt performs a significant function in the core. These reactors are at a point of high technological maturity, they have many advantages and past operating experience, and deserve re-examination. From the beginning, structural material integrity in molten salt mixtures has been a concern, with corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, and helium embrittlement among the primary challenges. Structural material performance for the MSR are still a concern, though progress has been made. (author)