Program
Kärnkraft

Polymeric Materials in Nuclear Applications

This programme aims to improve understanding of polymer materials in nuclear power plants and build a strong expert network.

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Rapporter

The programme will benefit plant owners by improving safety, availability, and reducing costs. It will provide reports, guidelines, and recommendations on how to study polymer materials, predict aging, and detect damage.

The key goals are:

Solving technical problems, like managing aging and ensuring quality.
Sharing knowledge and expanding the expert group.
Strengthening the use of polymer expertise in the industry

Olivia Winestedt

Programansvarig Kärnkraft, Vattenkraft och Energisystem

Jag är programansvarig inom kärnkraft, vattenkraft och energisystem. Tidigare har jag arbetat som konsult inom kärnkraftssäkerhet. Som civilingenjör i energisystem brinner jag för att bidra till ett välfungerande, hållbart och robust energisystem och att skapa värde genom att kombinera systemperspektiv med praktisk erfarenhet. På fritiden tränar jag gärna och ägnar mig åt olika typer av spel. Just nu håller jag på att lära mig åka längdskidor, återkommer om jag tycker att det är kul eller inte!

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Propose a project

Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to perform within this programme? Please fill out this form and send it by e-mail to programme manager Olivia Winestedt. Decisions on new projects are made as needed throughout the year.

Partners

Fortum
Karlstads Energi
Skellefteå Kraft
Uniper
Vattenfall
TVO

What is polymeric materials?

Polymeric materials play an important role in nuclear facilities, yet their behaviour and limitations are often less well understood than other materials.

In a webinar, Annelie Jansson from Forsmark and Patrik Rydberg from Ringhals, gave an accessible introduction to polymeric materials used in nuclear applications and highlight challenges associated with their use. Watch the recording of the webinar here.

Rapporter och publikationer

Här listas rapporter och resultatblad från programmet.

- Rapport
Silicone rubber in nuclear power plants: prediction of service lifetime in moist conditions
Components made of silicone rubber are used in Swedish nuclear power plants. Elastic polymer sealants used in pipe transits and joints are examples of applications. It is known that silicone rubber does not resist LOCA. The question is how silicone rubber components behave at normal service conditions.
10 juni 2026|2026:1195Ulf W. Gedde, KTH
- Rapport
Summary Report – Nuclear Projects 2025
This document contains brief introductions to all projects that were finalized and/or published in Energiforsk Nuclear Portfolio Programs during the year 2025.
31 mars 2026|2026:1178Karin Westling, Energiforsk
- Rapport
Use, limitations and possibilities of Arrhenius based extrapolations for LTO studies of polymeric materials
Long-term operation of nuclear power plants relies on reliable ageing management of polymeric materials used in safety‑relevant components such as cables, seals and gaskets. Predicting their long‑term performance is essential for safe operation and informed decisions on lifetime extension. This study examines the use of Arrhenius‑based extrapolations in accelerated ageing tests for polymeric materials.
13 mars 2026|2026:1177Karin Jacobson PDS Consulting and Mathias C. Celina
- Rapport
Cable Condition Monitoring Experiences at Nuclear Power Plants
Nuclear power plant cables are subjected to ageing during their service life. Proper ageing management of cables is increasingly important as the plants age and lifetime extensions are considered.
27 juni 2025|2025:1124Konsta Sipilä, Anna Bondeson