Boron-Containing Amorphous Coatings for Nuclear Waste Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current materials and technologies face challenges in providing long-term corrosion resistance and neutron absorption for containers and structures involved in the storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level waste, which require durability for extended periods, potentially up to 300,000 years, and must prevent both corrosion and nuclear criticality.

Innovation Solution

Development of corrosion-resistant neutron-absorbing coatings using boron-containing iron-based amorphous metals or metal-ceramic composites, applied through thermal or cold spraying, physical vapor deposition, or welding, incorporating ceramic particles and neutron poisons like gadolinium, to enhance criticality safety and corrosion resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional ferrous and nickel-base alloys are used for high performance applications, then strength and corrosion resistance are achieved, but weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs metal matrix composites with discontinuous ceramic reinforcements (such as boron-containing ceramics) embedded in a metallic matrix. This composite structure provides both the strength and corrosion resistance of conventional alloys while reducing weight through the use of lighter ceramic particles and optimized matrix composition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If steel is used for structural supports and shielding, then strength characteristics are achieved, but susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength characteristicsVSAvoidstress corrosion cracking

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different material compositions to different regions or applications. The metallic matrix is engineered with specific alloying elements and microstructural characteristics that provide resistance to stress corrosion cracking in critical areas, while maintaining overall strength requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

By incorporating ceramic reinforcements into the metallic matrix, the composite structure provides improved resistance to stress corrosion cracking compared to conventional steels, while maintaining the necessary strength characteristics for structural supports and shielding applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Duration of action of stationary object

If traditional materials are used for long-term storage containers, then manufacturing is easier, but durability for extended periods up to 300,000 years is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice lifeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary protective measures by incorporating corrosion-resistant coatings and protective barriers during the manufacturing process. The metal matrix composite structure is designed with inherent corrosion resistance and damage tolerance features built-in before deployment, ensuring long-term durability for storage containers intended to last hundreds of thousands of years.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The coatings provide exceptional corrosion resistance, enhanced damage tolerance, and improved criticality safety by maintaining a low critical cooling rate, reducing porosity, and increasing hardness, thus ensuring the safety and integrity of storage and disposal systems for spent nuclear fuel.

Implementation Method 1

corrosion resistant neutron absorbing coatings... neutron absorbing materials... enhance criticality safety

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeutron absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

spray or deposition or sputtering or welding processing to form a composite material... applied through thermal or cold spraying

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal spray: Plasma Spray

Implementation Method 3

applied through thermal or cold spraying, physical vapor deposition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical vapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentEP1966408A2Corrosion resistant neutron absorbing coatings

Publication Date: 2008.09.10 LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NAT SECURITY LLC

AI summary

A method of forming a corrosion resistant neutron absorbing coating comprising the steps of spray or deposition or sputtering or welding processing to form a composite material made of a spray or deposition or sputtering or welding material, and a neutron absorbing material. Also a corrosion resistant neutron absorbing coating comprising a composite material made of a spray or deposition or sputtering or welding material, and a neutron absorbing material.