Founded in 1995.
Its principal lines of research are:
- solid-state physics and low-temperature physics (structure of metals and alloys; fundamental and applied superconductivity, high-temperature superconductivity included; physics of strength and plasticity; magnetism);
- physical materials science of pure metals, radiation-resistant semiconductors and superconductors; vacuum technologies;
- physics of radiation phenomena and radiation materials science; simulation and investigation of radiation damages, using accelerated charged particles; radiation technologies; improving safety and operation efficiency of nuclear power plants;
- development and studies of nuclear-fuel and neutron-absorbing materials, and products from them; scientific support to nuclear-fuel cycle in Ukraine; spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste management.
- novel structural materials: carbon–carbon and graphite, composite and nanostructural materials for nuclear and thermonuclear reactors;
- physics and chemistry of ion-plasma, plasma-chemical and diffusion coatings;
- nuclear-physics studies of materials and environment.
Major achievements and developments:
- a technology to produce nuclear-quality circonium and hafnium – construction materials of reactor cores at Ukrainian NPPs;
- a technology for producing high-purity beryllium – a nuclear-engineering material;
- materials, technologies and equipment for nuclear-waste containment at Ukrainian NPPs;
- implementation of methods to control physico-mechanical characteristics and metal condition of NPP energy-intensive structures during their continuous service, with a view to extending their design service life;
- development of engineering semiconductors and their introduction to research and industrial practice.
