In this work, a neutron-physical model of the APR-1400 water-moderated power reactor was developed and verified using the MCNP6 code. An active zone with a detailed description of the design elements was developed. The verification of the model will provide a reliable basis for strategic planning of further support for the operation of the reactor. The results can be used to optimize fuel cycles and assess the impact of new design solutions. 

The analysis of the existing experimental data on the elastic scattering of α -particles and ³He on ⁹Be nuclei in a wide energy range (18–100 MeV) is carried out using the optical model of the nucleus. Optimal parameters of optical potentials are found. With these potentials, the measured angular distributions of elastic and inelastic scattering at α-particle energies of 45 and 50 MeV and ³He with energies of 50 and 60 MeV with excitation of collective states of 2.429 MeV (5/2⁻) and 6.38 MeV (7/2⁻) of the ⁹Be nucleus were analyzed using the coupled channel method. The values of the quadrupole deformation parameters are extracted. The contribution of the cluster structure and the mechanism of cluster exchange ⁵He and ⁶He to the excitation of the nucleus is estimated.

To study the optical properties of irradiated solids at the early stages of defect structure formation, there is a need to improve the time resolution of the recorded ionoluminescence and to record particles interacting with the sample with a smaller energy spread. The article describes the developed system of a fast beam chopper, which is based on deflection plates placed in the channel of the axial injection of an accelerator, immediately before the injection of the ion beam into the magnetic resonance system of the accelerator. Chopper affects the constant flow of ions in the axial injection, obtained from the ion source and injected into the accelerator and deflects it with a frequency necessary to form the required number of bunches at the exit of the accelerator. Chopper allows to obtain a beam of charged particles with different time parameters on the DC-60 and IC-100 accelerator complexes, the resonance systems of which operate in the frequency range from 11 MHz to 22 MHz and, when accelerating ions, produce particle flows at the accelerator output, grouped into bunches with a duration of about ~2…5 ns and a repetition period of ~90…45 ns. This chopper uses a fast switch of high voltage supplied to the deflection plates, at which the ion flow is deflected at the right time from injection into the accelerator, thereby ensuring effective rarefaction of the number of bunches and, accordingly, the ion flow from 100% to 1%, down to single bunches.

The paper examines the role of changes in grain morphology associated with the processes of phase polymorphic transformations in ZrO₂ with varying concentrations of the stabilizing dopant Y₂O₃ on changes in thermophysical parameters, as well as resistance to external influences caused by sudden changes in temperature, mechanical loads, and prolonged thermal heating. An assessment of phase transformations caused by a change in the concentration of the stabilizing dopant Y₂O₃ showed that at low concentrations, the dominant role in phase changes is caused by processes of the m – ZrO₂ → t – Zr(Y)O₂ type, while at dopant concentrations above 0.10 M, processes with the formation of the pyrochlore phase Y₂Zr₂O₇ dominate, the phase formation processes of which led to grain coarsening during sintering. According to the assessment of thermal insulation characteristics, it was established that the dominance of the pyrochlore Y₂Zr₂O₇ phase in the composition of composite ceramics leads to a decrease in the thermal conductivity of ceramics, as well as an increase in the efficiency of thermal insulation, both in the case of low temperatures and under prolonged exposure to high-temperature heating. An assessment of the resistance of ceramics to thermal shock processes associated with a sharp change in heating-cooling temperature showed that composite ceramics with a dominant pyrochlore phase in the composition have greater resistance to temperature changes due to maintaining stability to external influences and low thermal conductivity.

In this work, the diagram of diamond deformation under tension oriented in the direction [111] in the temperature range from 1 to 1700 K is studied in the framework of classical molecular dynamics. The ideal diamond structure is considered, as well as a structure containing a relatively high concentration of defects. To study the elasticity of structures obtained at different temperatures during stretching, anisotropic modeling was performed at atmospheric pressure and the values of deformation and density of the structure over time were calculated. The elasticity of both structures is shown in a wide range of strain values characteristic of each temperature value. It is also shown that a diamond can achieve a plastic state in a narrow range of tensile strength before complete destruction at high temperatures.

This study investigates the behaviour of metallic beryllium under high-temperature corrosion in a water-steam-argon atmosphere under thermal cycling conditions using thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetric analysis (TGA/DSC). The experiments were conducted at three heating rates (10, 20, and 30 K/min), each including two thermal cycles (C1 and C2). Oxidation was evaluated by mass gain and thermal effects, and kinetic parameters (Ea, K0) were determined from logarithmic Arrhenius dependencies with normalisation to surface area and partial water vapour pressure. Two characteristic temperature ranges were established: initial thermal activation (775–1050 K) and high temperature (975–1170 K), as well as a transition zone between them. For the high-temperature region, the activation energy Ea = 146 kJ/mol and the pre-exponential factor K0 = 2.41·10⁻¹ mg/(s·cm²·Pa) were obtained. The results obtained deepen the understanding of the mechanisms of beryllium oxidation during thermal cycling and can be used to assess safety in nuclear fusion installations.

The paper presents the results of a thermophysical analysis of an irradiation capsule design intended to increase the specific activity of ⁹⁹Mo in the WWR-K research reactor. Numerical simulations were performed using the ANSYS Fluent 2021 R2 software package for three configurations of the reactor core, including the standard irradiation capsule. It is demonstrated that the developed irradiation device ensures a reliable thermal regime, with the maximum temperature of molybdenum trioxide powder reaching 152.6 ℃ and the coolant temperature not exceeding 50.1 ℃. The results confirm the safe operation of the irradiation device within various core configurations of the WWR-K reactor.

The scarcity of water resources and the deterioration of water quality have become critical environmental and social challenges. Rivers, lakes, and groundwater are increasingly contaminated due to industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities, with pollutants including heavy metals, organic dyes, pharmaceutical residues, microplastics, and pathogenic microorganisms. Such contamination disrupts ecosystems, threatens biota, and poses risks to human health. Conventional water treatment methods, such as sedimentation, chlorination, adsorption, and ion-exchange resins, are often insufficient for the complete removal of complex or highly concentrated pollutants. Consequently, membrane-based technologies have emerged as a promising approach, offering molecular-level separation, low energy consumption, and environmentally safe operation.

Recently, composite membranes based on MXene and nanocellulose have attracted significant attention. MXenes, twodimensional carbides and nitrides derived from MAX phases, possess a layered structure, high electrical conductivity, hydrophilicity, and functional surface groups, enhancing ion separation efficiency and adsorption of organic contaminants. Nanocellulose, a biodegradable nanomaterial, improves the mechanical strength, stability, and biocompatibility of membranes, while also increasing selectivity and antifouling performance.

The combination of MXene and nanocellulose exhibits a synergistic effect: nanocellulose prevents aggregation of MXene layers, and strong interfacial interactions protect membranes from defects. This synergy enables efficient removal of salts, heavy metals, organic dyes, pharmaceutical residues, and microplastics, while the layered structure and functional groups ensure long-term stability and high performance.

This review highlights the properties of MXene and nanocellulose, methods for fabricating composite membranes, their structural characteristics, and potential applications in water purification. The study underscores the potential of nextgeneration membrane technologies as environmentally safe, highly efficient, and durable solutions for sustainable water treatment, demonstrating both scientific significance and practical relevance. 

The article presents analytical results on the estimation of the steady-state flux of tritium ions released from lithium-based ceramics Li₂TiO₃ under reactor irradiation conditions at the WWR-K reactor. Neutron transport calculations were performed in MCNP6 using the ENDF/B-VII.1 library and compared with in-situ gas release recorded at a ceramic temperature of 650 ℃ and a thermal neutron flux of 5·10¹³ n/(cm²·s). The developed calculation model does not contain fitting coefficients and takes into account the ion mean free path, the self-shielding effect in ceramics (δ = 0.32) and recombination losses. The obtained values of T⁺ flux from ceramics of different isotopic composition are 3.07·10⁻¹³ to 1.96·10⁻¹² mol/s. The maximum decrease in the flux due to self-shielding in ceramics does not exceed 32%. The discrepancy between the calculation and the experiment for the HT component does not exceed 15%, which confirms the adequacy of the approach. The results are of practical importance in assessing the tritium balance in fusion reactor blankets and allow optimizing the composition and size of ceramic pebbles taking into account the activation-free gas evolution of tritium.

This work investigated changes in the morphology and elemental composition of alloys based on the V-Nb-Ta-Ti system after irradiation with ⁸⁴Kr¹⁵⁺ ions with an energy of 147 MeV and an ion fluence of 1·10¹³–1·10¹⁵ cm⁻². It was found that irradiation with krypton ions did not lead to significant damage to the surface of V, VNb, VNbTa, VNbTaTi samples, except for the formation of dark spots and chips, the size and number of which decreased from V to VNbTaTi. Scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis showed that the composition of all the initial samples was close to equiatomic. With increasing composition complexity from VNb to the medium entropy alloy (MEA) VNbTa, the radiation-induced segregation of elements in the samples increased, but decreased in the high-entropy alloy (HEA) VNbTaTi. The largest change in concentrations was found in VNbTa, where the Ta concentration increased by 18.5% (4.4 at.% (atomic percents)) compared to the unirradiated sample. It was found that in VNbTa and VNbTaTi, the segregation increased with increasing fluence, and in VNb, the segregation peaked at 1·10¹⁴ cm⁻² and then decreased. Using the Rutherford backscattering (RBS) analysis, it was shown that in samples irradiated with krypton ions with a fluence of 1·10¹³ cm⁻², the concentration of Ta atoms increased with depth by 33–34% (8.6–12 at.%) relative to the initial concentration. The results of the EDS and RBS analysis showed similar trends. Changes in the concentrations of elements in the near-surface layer of VNb, VNbTa and VNbTaTi for heavy elements Nb, Ta exceeded those for the light ones. The difference in the segregation of elements is probably due to the difference in lattice distortion, local chemical composition, different dependence of the migration of V, Nb, Ta, Ti atoms on vacancies and interstitials. Irradiation with krypton ions resulted in segregation in VNbTa MEA and VNbTaTi HEA, but the distribution of elements over the surface of the samples did not form distinct segregation regions. VNbTaTi HEA showed greater resistance to radiation-induced segregation.

Reliable and efficient operation of thermal power plants is impossible without high-quality water treatment. This is particularly important for facilities that use natural water sources characterized by high turbidity, suspended solids, and dissolved gases. This study examines the three-stage water treatment system used at the Semey TPP-1. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of each stage of water purification: mechanical filtration, sodium-cation softening, and thermal degassing. The study included instrumental assessment of water quality before and after each treatment stage, visual inspection of the equipment, and analysis of operational documentation. The results demonstrate a high level of purification: anthracite-loaded mechanical filters reduce turbidity by more than 95%, sodium-cation exchange units lower hardness from 12 mg-eq/L to 0.05 mg-eq/L, and the deaerator reduces dissolved oxygen concentration to ≤ 0.05 mg/L. It is shown that adherence to technological parameters – such as filter loading levels, regeneration regimes, and backwashing intensity – directly affects purification efficiency and equipment durability. The findings confirm that the quality of treated water meets regulatory requirements for boiler feedwater. Based on the measurement results, a quantitative assessment was made of the performance efficiency of each unit in the water treatment system. These results can be used in the design and modernization of water treatment systems at similar thermal power facilities and provide practical value for developing engineering competencies in operating power equipment and water-chemical regimes.

This paper presents the results of a theoretical assessment of public radiation burden by atmospheric emissions from NPP during the first year of operation and after 30 years of operation under normal conditions. Radiation burdens were estimated given the following exposure pathways of the human body: internal exposure through inhalation of radionuclides, external exposure to a cloud, external exposure to ground contamination and internal exposure to the intake of foodstuffs. It was found by calculation that when a NPP is operated under normal conditions, quotas for the permissible public radiation burden (10 µSv/year) generated by emissions of radioactive gases and aerosols into the atmosphere will not be exceeded. The main contribution to the total public radiation burden is made by external photon exposure to a radioactive cloud. The total dose through all exposure pathways resulting from atmospheric emissions increases over time due to the accumulation of long-lived radionuclides in environmental compartments, for which reason, after 30 years of NPP operation under normal conditions, the total dose of ⁶⁰Со and ⁹⁰Sr will increase by one mathematical order of magnitude. 

This study investigates the effect of wire feed rate on the structure and properties of coatings produced by electric arc metallization using 30KhGSA wire. The coatings were deposited onto 65G steel substrates at feed rates of 5, 7, and 9 cm/s using supersonic arc spraying. A comprehensive characterization was performed, including microstructural analysis, EDS mapping, X-ray diffraction, and evaluation of coating thickness, hardness, and porosity. The results indicate that an increase in wire feed rate leads to greater coating thickness but reduces structural homogeneity. At 5 cm/s, the coating exhibited a uniform microstructure and low porosity, though with limited thickness. The intermediate feed rate of 7 cm/s provided optimal properties, including balanced thickness (up to 220 µm), reduced porosity (4.3%), and high hardness (up to 720 HV). At 9 cm/s, further thickness growth was accompanied by turbulent deposition, resulting in increased porosity and structural defects. These results confirm that wire feed rate is a decisive factor in coating quality, and its optimization is essential for achieving durable and reliable protective layers.

This study presents neutron-physical modeling of radionuclide accumulation in a VVER-1000 reactor after the first fuel cycle using the MCNP6 code and the ENDF/B-VII nuclear data libraries. Calculations were performed to determine the generation of major long-lived fission products (⁹⁰Sr, ⁹⁹Tc, ¹³⁷Cs, ¹²⁹I, etc.), actinides (Np, Pu, Am), noble gases (Kr, Xe), as well as aerosol-forming and iodine-containing radionuclides. Special attention is given to the evaluation of residual activity, and the impact of accumulated isotopes on radiation safety. The findings are of practical importance for the development of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) management strategies, storage design, environmental risk assessment, and preparation for nuclear power plant construction in Kazakhstan.

This study presents a comprehensive computational framework that integrates physics-based modeling and data-driven approaches for analyzing and optimizing photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting systems. Utilizing COMSOL Multiphysics 6.1 and MATLAB, we simulate key electrochemical behaviors such as linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). COMSOL’s multiphysics environment allows for the direct incorporation of electrolyte parameters, semiconductor photophysics, and current distribution, while MATLAB enables custom modeling of impedance behavior and predictive LSV analysis using artificial neural networks (ANNs). By coupling computational fluid dynamics (CFD), machine learning, and experimental validation, the proposed methodology provides an in-depth understanding of light-driven hydrogen generation on semiconductor electrodes such as ZnO/BiVO₄. Comparative analysis of simulation results shows that COMSOL and MATLAB produce consistent outputs, yet COMSOL demonstrates superior flexibility, accuracy, and ease of use, especially for systems influenced by variable physical and chemical conditions. The study further explores two-phase flow modeling, mesh independence testing, and the influence of gas bubbles on electrolyte conductivity. The findings contribute to the development of efficient, scalable PEC systems for clean hydrogen production and offer a foundation for future integration of hybrid simulation and AI techniques in renewable energy research.

The microstructure and mechanical properties of a periodically alternating multilayered nanostructured coating composed of alternating metal nitrides (CrN/ZrN) and pure metals (Cr/Zr) were investigated. A specially designed multilayer structure was fabricated, consisting of 7 metal and 40 nitride layers within one modulation period. The thickness of each metal layer was 16 nm, while the thickness of each nitride layer was 25 nm. To explain the mechanism of increased coating strength, first-principles calculations were conducted based on the obtained experimental results.

Microstructural studies revealed that cubic CrN and ZrN phases predominate, clearly oriented along the (200) and (111)/(200) crystallographic directions. Despite the nanoscale dimensions of the nanolayers and nanocrystals, dislocations and structural disorder of crystal planes were observed at the interfaces between CrN and ZrN layers.

The investigated multilayer structure demonstrated outstanding mechanical properties, including a maximum hardness of 34 GPa, a reduced elastic modulus of 330 GPa, an elastic strain limit before plastic deformation of 0.1, and a plastic deformation resistance of 0.36.

These superior properties were achieved as a result of the unique multilayered (internal multilayer) architecture of the coating and its specific structural features.

This study presents a comprehensive investigation of carbon materials synthesized via methane pyrolysis in a microwave plasma discharge under atmospheric pressure. Particular attention is paid to the influence of microwave power on the morphological, phase, and textural characteristics of the resulting carbon. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that increasing the discharge power from 0.6 to 1.4 kW leads to a reduction in average particle size (from ~20.2 to ~10.4 μm) and the formation of more dispersed structures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed a transition from a turbostratic, amorphous phase to a more ordered, graphite-like structure with increasing process temperature. Nitrogen adsorption analysis using the BET and BJH methods confirmed the mesoporous nature of the materials, with the highest specific surface area and pore volume observed at the lowest plasma power (628 m²/g and 5.04 cm³/g, respectively). These findings demonstrate that microwave discharge power is a key parameter for tailoring the structure and functionality of carbon materials, making them promising candidates for applications in catalysis, adsorption, and energy storage.

The paper presents experimental findings on the temperature measurement of structural material samples exposed to radiation heating during pulsed irradiation at the IGR research reactor. To record the temperature, an in-pile experimental device was specifically designed, consisting of a protective ampoule with an ultra-low-pressure environment to house the test samples. Thermocouples were embedded directly into the sample structures to enable precise temperature measurements within the materials. Temperature responses in 12 materials have been examined, including refractory metals, high-alloy steels, and aluminum alloys. Distinct heating patterns were identified that influenced by their physical and radiation properties of the materials. These results provide valuable data for refining thermal engineering models and enhancing the accuracy of calculations in the design of equipment for nuclear installations.

This article provides an examination of approaches to the management of radioactive waste generated by small modular reactors. These approaches are based on the IAEA principles and take into account the experience of pilot and commercial operation of nuclear installations based on small modular reactors. The article contains comparative aspects of the production of radioactive waste at various types of nuclear installations and approaches to managing radioactive waste data.

The article examines the role of foresight studies in the energy sector, with a particular focus on Kazakhstan. Energy is defined as a key factor of economic growth, technological modernization, and environmental sustainability. The dual role of Kazakhstan’s energy sector is emphasized: on the one hand, it serves as the foundation of the national economy and exports; on the other hand, it is a source of risks associated with outdated infrastructure, high energy intensity, and dependence on fossil fuels.

The research methodology included an analysis of international trends, expert surveys, and in-depth interviews with scientists and industry representatives. The obtained results made it possible to identify priority areas of scientific research and technologies aligned with the global transition toward low-carbon and digital energy. The findings of the study can be used to develop national innovation policy and enhance the long-term competitiveness of Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan annually generates a significant amount of agro-industrial waste, which, due to the high content of carbonaceous compounds, can potentially become a valuable raw material for the production of activated carbon. This research considers the processing of rice husks, soya and sunflower husks into activated carbon. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) was used for activation to achieve high specific surface area. The obtained activated carbon samples from rice husk, soybean husk and sunflower husk were characterized by BET, SEM, XRD, energy dispersive analysis, TGA and DSC. The synthesized activated carbons possessed a developed porous structure with specific surface area: 2363.7 m²/g (RH), 786.1 m²/g (SfH), 642.4 m²/g (SBH), which was confirmed by the above analyses. These findings highlight the potential of agro-industrial waste as a sustainable source for high-performance activated carbon production. This study demonstrates a sustainable pathway for converting agro-industrial residues into high-performance activated carbon suitable for environmental and industrial applications.

This work presents an integrated approach to the analysis of proton elastic scattering on the ¹⁴C nucleus in the energy range from 3.7 to 7.0 MeV. The approach combines the quantum mechanical Full Wave Method FWM, Monte Carlo simulations based on Geant4, and experimental data. Phase shifts were obtained by solving the Schrödinger equation with an optical potential constructed from the microscopic CDM3Y interaction and a Woods Saxon parameterization for the imaginary part, including the spin orbit contribution. The calculated differential cross sections were compared with experimental measurements and Geant4 simulations, showing agreement within 3 to 6 percent. The observed nonlinear increase in phase shifts and cross sections above 5.5 MeV indicates deviations from standard optical behavior. These features suggest a cluster like or halo influenced structure of the ¹⁴C nucleus, confirming its non trivial internal configuration. The proposed hybrid methodology aligns theoretical calculations and simulations with experimental data and can be applied to reactions in unexplored energy regions, as well as to modeling radiation effects in materials.

This work presents an efficient method for synthesising arrays of copper oxide (CuO) nanocrystals in track-etched dielectric structures via electrochemical deposition (ECD) and provides a comprehensive study of their structural, morphological, and optical properties. Electrochemical deposition was performed in a carefully selected electrolyte under a potentiostatic regime, enabling reproducible and selective filling of the nanocanals within the track matrix. The template consisted of a porous silicon dioxide structure formed by ion irradiation followed by etching.

The ECD method is characterised by technological simplicity, low energy consumption, environmental safety, the absence of high-temperature annealing and expensive vacuum equipment requirements, and the possibility of deposition on substrates with complex geometries. The surface morphology and pore topography were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the phase composition and crystal structure of the deposited material were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), revealing the formation of a monoclinic CuO phase (space group C2/c).

Photoluminescence studies revealed emission peaks in the 3.11–3.22 eV range, corresponding to the violet region of the spectrum. These peaks are attributed to interband transitions and recombination of charge carriers via localised defect states in the CuO crystal structure. The influence of pore geometry and deposition conditions on the distribution and quality of channel filling was also highlighted.

The obtained results demonstrate the potential of the proposed approach for creating functional CuO nanostructures with tailored properties and geometry. The developed methodology can be applied in the fabrication of sensor systems, photonic electronic components, and energy-efficient devices based on transition metal oxides.

The relevance of this study is associated with the analysis of the reactor core of the EPR (European Pressurized Reactor) and the description of reactivity control mechanisms at all stages of the fuel cycle. The research considers both active (controllable) reactivity parameters such as control rod insertion depth and boric acid concentration, and passive parameters, including the burnup of burnable absorbers (gadolinium) and the accumulation of fission products. A comparative assessment of the parameters affecting reactivity has been performed.

The results of the study confirm the high efficiency of the comprehensive reactivity control system in EPRs and demonstrate the necessity of an integrated approach to the analysis of the neutronic characteristics of the reactor core, taking into account both active and passive mechanisms of reactivity change.