UF Nuclear Fuels and Materials Characterization Facility (NFMC)

Advancing nuclear research through world-class irradiation and characterization capabilities.

Transforming the Future of Nuclear Materials Research

The Nuclear Fuels and Materials Characterization Facility (NFMC) is part of the University of Florida’s long-standing commitment to advancing nuclear science. As the only nuclear engineering program in the state, UF combines a training reactor, hot cell capabilities, and advanced materials characterization labs to create a one-stop shop for nuclear fuels and materials research.

Through a $300 million public-private partnership, UF has upgraded the UF Training Reactor with new instrumentation, enhanced safety systems, and specialized equipment for working with irradiated materials. With these capabilities, UF supports both rapid-turnaround projects and long-term research collaborations for industry, national labs, and academic partners.

Facilities and Capabilities

Reactor

Type: ARGONAUT heterogeneous
Power: 100 kW thermal
Max thermal flux: 1.5 × 10¹² n/cm²/sec
Moderator: H₂O and graphite
Coolant flow: 47 gpm at 100 kW

Characterization Equipment
Available for radiological use and supported by expert staff:

FEI Helios Nanolab 600 Dual Beam FIB/SEM with EBSD + EDS detectors
Hysitron PI88 SEM PicoIndenter (with heating to 800°C)
FEI Tecnai F20 S/TEM with advanced imaging and spectroscopy systems

Other Services

Irradiations in UFTR
Neutron activation analysis
Neutron radiography (including real-time)
Detection systems use & calibration

Radiological and Operating Limits

Accepts specimens up to 300 mR/hr at contact
Licensed for handling isotopes under the Florida state license
Solid, liquid, and powder specimens accepted within contamination limits
Access:
- Independent users (approved) – 24/7
- Staff-assisted use – weekdays, 8 hours/day
- Closed ~2 weeks/year for maintenance and holidays

Why Partner with UF?

One-stop shop: From irradiation to analysis to final waste disposal
Flexible access: Perform your own work (with training) or have UF staff assist
Commitment to excellence: Projects delivered on schedule and on budget
Accessible environment: Campus-based facility open to researchers at all clearance levels

Training and Collaboration

Users can receive training on equipment, work alongside UF experts, or have analyses performed entirely by staff. This flexible model supports everyone from graduate researchers to experienced industry professionals.