The Reactor Materials Testing Laboratory (RMTL) is a specialized research facility that supports the study of materials used in nuclear energy systems. Located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, the facility enables researchers to investigate how structural materials respond to radiation damage, mechanical loading, corrosion, and high-temperature environments.
The laboratory combines ion irradiation, advanced materials characterization, and thermomechanical testing to simulate and evaluate the conditions experienced by materials inside nuclear reactors. These capabilities allow researchers to better understand how materials change over time, supporting the development of safer, more reliable, and longer-lasting nuclear energy systems.
Research capabilities
The RMTL houses a unique suite of research equipment designed for nuclear materials research, including:
- Proton and helium ion accelerators for simulating radiation damage and helium production
- Mechanical testing systems for evaluating material performance
- Corrosion testing capabilities, including a primary water chemistry loop and molten salt handling capabilities
- Advanced microscopy and materials characterization equipment, including in situ analysis techniques
- Micro- and nano-scale mechanical characterization tools
Together, these capabilities allow researchers to study the relationship between radiation damage, microstructural evolution, and material performance across a range of nuclear applications.
Learn more about our servicesSupporting Nuclear Materials Research
Research conducted at the RMTL advances the understanding of how materials perform in nuclear environments. By reproducing key aspects of reactor operating conditions in a controlled laboratory setting, researchers generate data that supports materials development, predictive modelling, and the long-term management of nuclear energy systems.
The facility serves as a collaborative research hub, bringing together researchers from universities, government laboratories, and industry to address challenges in nuclear materials science. It also provides hands-on training opportunities for graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scientists, helping prepare the next generation of experts in nuclear materials research.
Located in Kingston, the RMTL is well positioned to support collaboration across Canada's nuclear sector. Its proximity to major research and industry centres in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal facilitates partnerships with academic institutions, national laboratories, utilities, and industry organizations throughout Ontario, Quebec, and beyond.
Contact our teamOrigins of the RMTL
The RMTL was established as part of Queen's long-standing investment in nuclear materials research, building on the university's expertise in materials engineering and nuclear science. The facility officially opened in 2015 and continues to support research led by MAX-Nuclear.
Since its establishment, the RMTL has become an important centre for collaborative research, supporting projects with partners across Canada and internationally while providing advanced infrastructure for the study of materials in nuclear environments.