CLADDING MATERIAL - Multi-layered metal'ceramic tube having a thin inner layer of zirconium metal alloy with an external ceramic matrix composite (CMC) layer made from continuous silicon carbide fibers with a matrix of silicon carbide ceramic.

Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), P.O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-3805 A potential licensing opportunity exists with BEA, the Management and Operating Contractor for the Department of Energy (DOE) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). BEA is seeking parties interested in entering into a license agreement for the purpose of commercializing U.S. patent application No. 12/901,326 and Publication No. US-2012-0087457-A1 entitled "CLADDING MATERIAL, TUBE INCLUDING SUCH CLADDING MATERIAL AND METHODS OF FORMING THE SAME" and described below. INVENTION SUMMARY: BEA has developed a process for making a novel multi-layered metal - ceramic tube having a thin inner layer of zirconium metal alloy with an external ceramic matrix composite (CMC) layer made from continuous silicon carbide fibers with a matrix of silicon carbide ceramic. A thin central inner metallic layer enables hermetic gas tight sealing. At the tube ends a thick metallic wall provides area for end cap welding. The outer fiber reinforced CMC layer provides additional strength to the inner metallic layer and mechanical, environmental and high temperature protection to the inner metallic layer. The novel metal-ceramic tube is potentially seen as a possible containment vessel for nuclear fuel as used in nuclear power plants. The assembled layered tube has an engineered combination of thermal and mechanical features that uniquely result from the combination of metallic and ceramic layers. The inner metallic layer insures hermetic sealing of containment of gases and fuel within the tube and provides for conventional end cap sealing. The outer fiber reinforced ceramic layer imparts additional mechanical strength, stiffness, thermal shock resistance and high temperature load carrying capability above of the inner metallic liner alone. This novel metal-ceramic engineered approach may provide for a potential increase in the lifetime and safety margins as compared to current all zirconium alloy metal fuel tubes. BEA seeks to license this intellectual property to the best qualified candidate to ensure its successful commercialization. If multiple parties are interested in licensing this intellectual property, BEA may select an exclusive licensing arrangement with a single candidate or choose alternative licensing strategies (e.g., non-exclusive or exclusive field of use licenses) to increase the probability of successful commercialization. BEA may consider inquiries made prior to the release of this notice and inquiries made through other channels. Although interested parties are encouraged to respond before the date provided to ensure consideration, all inquiries may be considered prior to a formal selection unless this notice specifically states otherwise. This is not an opportunity to provide goods or services to BEA or DOE. This solicitation will close to responses on May 15, 2013. Concerns or complaints regarding BEA's technology transfer process, if not resolvable with BEA's technology deployment office, may be raised with BEA's Technology Transfer Ombudsman whose contact information can be found at: https://inlportal.inl.gov/portal/server.pt/community/technology_transfer/269/ombuds_program Parties interested in obtaining additional information should send their request to: Gary W. Smith Sr. Commercialization Manager Technology Deployment Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC P. O. Box 1625, MS3805 Idaho Falls, ID 83415-3805 gary.smith@inl.gov