WP2

Introduction

WP2 – Coating deposition & surface modification of cladding materials & joints: WP2 targets the deposition of protective coatings made of MAX phases or oxides on various cladding materials, and the surface alloying of commercial clads based on the GESA process. Technologically mature deposition technologies (pulsed laser deposition, magnetron sputtering, cathodic arc deposition, cold spraying, aerosol deposition) will be used to determine the best‐suited technology for each coating/substrate system.

These technologies are capable of depositing thin films at sufficiently low temperatures, thus maintaining the microstructure and bulk properties of the substrate clad. Similarly, the GESA surface modification is limited in a thin sub-surface layer, leaving the bulk clad unaffected. It also allows the in-service formation of a passivating oxide on the clad surface. Coating development and optimization will be guided by the cladding material requirements defined at the project outset (WP10).

Due to the dissimilar properties between coating and substrate clad, a system-specific coating/substrate interface engineering strategy will be established to prevent coating spallation and/or elemental interdiffusion between coating and substrate clad during service. Both coated and surface-modified clads must pass the set of critical screening tests prior to neutron irradiation in BR2.

Deliverables

• D2.1: Application-driven optimisation of coated & surface-modified clads/joints
• D2.2: Proof-of-concept coated & surface-modified ATF clads/joints