Specialists from Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) have developed a fundamentally different coating for nuclear fuel cells. According to them, it will significantly increase their corrosion resistance and almost eliminate the risk of leaks.
The main element of the nuclear reactor core, inside which the fission of radioactive nuclei occurs, is a fuel element, or fuel element. In case of emergency overheating, a vapor-zirconium reaction begins, as a result of which explosive hydrogen begins to be released, and the fuel element shells themselves lose their tightness, which threatens to leak radiation.
To protect the shells from destruction, TPU specialists have developed a special silicon carbide coating applied by selective laser sintering. It is characterized by high reliability, environmental friendliness and economy, as well as simple application technology.
In addition, the silicon carbide coating has excellent resistance to high temperatures and corrosion, as well as good adhesion to the surface of zirconium alloys.
In the future, specialists from TPU intend to improve the new coating, conduct corrosion and mechanical tests, as well as learn how to cover complex shaped products with it.
The results of the study are published in the journal Materials Letters.