耐辐射核级防护涂层材料的研发

Research of Radiation-resistant Protective Coatings for Nuclear Power Plants

  • 摘要: 核电站核岛区域存在高本底的γ辐射场,处于辐射场中的设施或设备会受到影响,如放射性粉尘可能会被多孔的混凝土结构吸附,形成永久放射源,增加设施及设备的维护和退役成本。因此有必要在建筑物的表面喷涂涂料,达到保护设施及设备表面和容易去除放射性粉尘污染的目的。通过对γ辐照前后的漆膜性能反复测试,筛选开发出了多组满足核电建设用的环氧基耐核辐射防护涂料。涂料漆膜的力学性能和附着力表现优异,还同时通过了总剂量为1×107 Gy的γ射线辐照、去污和LOCA失水三大核级测试,并且在经过5×107 Gy总剂量的γ射线辐照之后依旧未发生脱落现象,放射性污染液的去污率达94%以上。表明该涂层在压水堆一回路环境中可以正常工作,有较好的耐辐照性能。

     

    Abstract: This study focuses on the development and testing of epoxy-based radiation-resistant coatings designed for use in nuclear power plants, particularly in the nuclear island areas where high background gamma radiation fields are prevalent. The primary objective is to create coatings that can protect facilities and equipment from radiation damage and facilitate the removal of radioactive dust contamination, thereby enhancing the safety and longevity of nuclear facilities. The coatings were formulated using a combination of epoxy-modified silicone resins and phenolic epoxy resins, which are known for their inherent stability in gamma radiation environments. Functional fillers such as potassium hexatitanate whiskers were added to enhance mechanical strength and thermal stability. The curing agents used ensured a high cross-link density, which not only improved the mechanical properties but also reduced surface roughness, making the coatings more resistant to radioactive contamination and easier to decontaminate. The developed coatings were subjected to a series of rigorous tests to evaluate their performance under various conditions. In gamma irradiation tests, the coatings were exposed to a dose rate of 10 Gy/s, accumulating a total dose of 1×107 Gy. The results show that the coatings maintain their structural integrity without cracking, bubbling, or peeling, demonstrating their ability to withstand prolonged exposure to high levels of gamma radiation. This is a critical requirement for materials used in nuclear facilities, where long-term stability and durability are essential. Decontamination tests were conducted using solutions containing 137Cs and 90Sr to assess the coatings’ ability to reduce radioactive contamination. The results reveal high decontamination rates exceeding 94%, indicating that the coatings can significantly reduce the risk of radioactive contamination. This is particularly important for maintenance and decommissioning processes, where the ease of decontamination can significantly impact safety and efficiency. In addition to gamma irradiation and decontamination tests, the coatings were also evaluated in a loss of coolant accident (LOCA) test, which simulates the extreme conditions of a coolant loss accident. The coatings were exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure, and high-humidity environments, conditions that are likely to be encountered in the event of an accident in a nuclear power plant. The results show that the coatings maintained their integrity and adhesion, with no signs of degradation. This demonstrates their robustness under harsh conditions and their ability to protect underlying structures from potential radioactive release. In conclusion, the developed epoxy-based radiation-resistant coatings exhibit excellent mechanical properties, radiation resistance, and decontamination efficiency. They are expected to significantly enhance the safety and longevity of nuclear facilities by providing effective protection against radiation damage and facilitating the removal of radioactive contaminants. Future work will focus on further optimizing the formulations to expand the coatings’ application range. This includes incorporating boron-containing fillers to enhance resistance to neutron radiation, thereby broadening their use in nuclear applications and contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of nuclear power plants.

     

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