This thesis leverages the Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) processes, recognized for producing robust and efficient coatings, and introduces novel applications in the nuclear sector and space exploration, particularly as resistant materials to ionizing radiation. On the nuclear side, the focus is on the Lead-cooled Fast Reactors (LFRs), a Generation-IV nuclear system offering promising safety features and efficiency advancements. The thesis meticulously investigates the use of corrosion-resistant bulk alloys, surface-alloying treatments, or coatings in the nuclear sector, attempting to address the existing gaps in the area of materials suitable for high-temperature, corrosive, and radiation-heavy environments found in LFRs. Specific focus is placed on applying Al2O3 PLD coatings to enhance existing materials’ corrosion resistance, radiation tolerance, and mechanical stability. On the other side, the research offers an innovative approach to enhance the effectiveness of solar cells used in space exploration, addressing the issues associated with the conventional solar cell stack. Applying a protective layer directly onto the solar cell aims at establishing an optical transparent radiation shield, combating the detrimental effects of low-energy particle. This endeavor is part of the SpaceSolarShield project and has significant implications for the solar cell manufacturing industry, promising improvements in performance efficiency, power density, and production control. This work conducted various characterizations and experiments designed to mimic real operational conditions. It explored the unique properties of the materials and their behaviors under different scenarios, including irradiation exposure, mechanical stresses, and temperature fluctuations. A critical examination of the amorphous alumina , its radiation tolerance, plasticity, and the effects of radiation exposure on its structure is meticulously performed, contributing valuable data for potential practical engineering applications. In conclusion, the thesis innovatively expands the boundaries of the traditional coatings’ performance and operational range by providing novel solutions and strategies. This comprehensive study stands to advance the fields of nuclear and space applications research and may potentially provide solutions applicable to other systems.
In questa dissertazione, si presenta un'analisi dettagliata su diverse applicazioni della tencnologia Pulsed Laser Depositionm (PLD), per la produzione rivestimenti di alta qualità. Il testo propone l'impiego di tali coating in ambito nucleare e spaziale, nell'ottica dello sviluppo di barriere resistenti alle radiazioni ionizzanti. Nel dominio nucleare, il focus è stato sui Reattori Veloci Raffreddati al Piombo (LFR), tecnologia nucleare di quarta generazione. Questa tesi analizza in profondità l'impiego di rivestimenti PLD di allumina nel panorama nucleare. L'obiettivo è quello di risolvere le sfide legate alla corrosione dei materiali in contesti ad alta temperatura, corrosivi e con presenza di radiazione, tipici dei LFR. Nell'ambito spaziale, il lavoro si è concentrato su un'ottimizzazione delle celle solari destinate all'esplorazione extraterrestre, affrontando le limitazioni delle configurazioni solari tradizionali. La strategia è stata quella di analizzare la possibilità dell'utilizzo di uno strato protettivo sulle celle con lo scopo di instaurare una barriera alla radiazione , mitigando gli effetti dannosi di particelle energetiche incidenti. Tale iniziativa rientra nel progetto SpaceSolarShield, con potenziali ricadute rilevanti per il settore manifatturiero delle celle solari, anticipando miglioramenti in termini di efficienza, densità energetica e gestione della produzione. Questo studio ha comportato l'attuazione di svariate analisi e sperimentazioni, modellate per emulare le condizioni operative effettive. Si sono indagate le peculiarità dei materiali e la loro reazione in vari contesti, tra cui esposizione a radiazione e variazioni termiche. È stata condotta un'analisi rigorosa dell'allumina amorfa prodotta per mezzo della PLD, valutandone la resistenza alla radiazione. In sintesi, questa dissertazione estende in modo pionieristico le capacità e l'ambito d'uso dei rivestimenti tradizionali, proponendo innovazioni e nuove strategie. La presente ricerca ha il potenziale di rivoluzionare le indagini sulle applicazioni nucleari e spaziali.
Development and characterization of protective coatings resistant to irradiation
LOIACONO, DAVIDE
2022/2023
Abstract
This thesis leverages the Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) processes, recognized for producing robust and efficient coatings, and introduces novel applications in the nuclear sector and space exploration, particularly as resistant materials to ionizing radiation. On the nuclear side, the focus is on the Lead-cooled Fast Reactors (LFRs), a Generation-IV nuclear system offering promising safety features and efficiency advancements. The thesis meticulously investigates the use of corrosion-resistant bulk alloys, surface-alloying treatments, or coatings in the nuclear sector, attempting to address the existing gaps in the area of materials suitable for high-temperature, corrosive, and radiation-heavy environments found in LFRs. Specific focus is placed on applying Al2O3 PLD coatings to enhance existing materials’ corrosion resistance, radiation tolerance, and mechanical stability. On the other side, the research offers an innovative approach to enhance the effectiveness of solar cells used in space exploration, addressing the issues associated with the conventional solar cell stack. Applying a protective layer directly onto the solar cell aims at establishing an optical transparent radiation shield, combating the detrimental effects of low-energy particle. This endeavor is part of the SpaceSolarShield project and has significant implications for the solar cell manufacturing industry, promising improvements in performance efficiency, power density, and production control. This work conducted various characterizations and experiments designed to mimic real operational conditions. It explored the unique properties of the materials and their behaviors under different scenarios, including irradiation exposure, mechanical stresses, and temperature fluctuations. A critical examination of the amorphous alumina , its radiation tolerance, plasticity, and the effects of radiation exposure on its structure is meticulously performed, contributing valuable data for potential practical engineering applications. In conclusion, the thesis innovatively expands the boundaries of the traditional coatings’ performance and operational range by providing novel solutions and strategies. This comprehensive study stands to advance the fields of nuclear and space applications research and may potentially provide solutions applicable to other systems.| File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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Development and Characterization of Protective Coatings Resistant to Irradiation- DAVIDE LOIACONO.pdf
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https://hdl.handle.net/10589/213112