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Tritium Retention in Hexavalent Chromate-Conversion–Coated Aluminum Alloy

Journal Article · · Fusion Science and Technology
 [1];  [2];  [2];  [3]
  1. Univ. of Rochester, NY (United States). Lab. for Laser Energetics, and Dept. of Physics and Chemistry; Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester
  2. Univ. of Rochester, NY (United States). Lab. for Laser Energetics
  3. Univ. of Rochester, NY (United States). Lab. for Laser Energetics, and Dept. of Physics and Chemistry
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In this work, 6061-T6 aluminum samples were subjected to MIL-DTL-5541F type I, class-3 anodic coatings, where a yellow irradiate finish was achieved. Both chromate-conversion coatings (CCC) and unmodified samples were exposed to DT (PT = 0.51 atm) gas for 24 h at room temperature. Following loading, the samples were subjected to one of two desorption techniques: temperature-programmed desorption, or a surface stripping technique. The results show that chromic-acid anodizing of aluminum dramatically increases the total quantity of tritium retained by the treated surface as compared to unmodified aluminum. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy studies of both treated aluminum and unmodified samples indicate that the CCC coating contain significant quantities of hydrated chromium. Using transmission electron microscopy, the surface is shown to have significant cracking and fracturing of the film and leads to a highly grained and porous surface. Such surface defects coupled with the vast quantity of hydration sites are likely reasons for the increased retained tritium inventory observed for CCC samples. Finally, due to the physical and chemical properties of unmodified CCC samples, they are not suitable for use in tritium environments.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Rochester, NY (United States). Laboratory for Laser Energetics
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
NA0003856
OSTI ID:
1574231
Journal Information:
Fusion Science and Technology, Journal Name: Fusion Science and Technology Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 75; ISSN 1536-1055
Publisher:
American Nuclear SocietyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (9)

Effect of surface treatments on the sorption of tritium on type-316 stainless steel journal January 1985
Passivation of metal alloys using sol–gel-derived materials — a review journal May 2001
Observations on chromate conversion coatings from a sol–gel perspective journal May 2001
Sol–gel coatings on metals for corrosion protection journal March 2009
The Impact of Acid Treatments and Electropolishing Stainless-Steel Surfaces on Tritium Inventories journal April 2017
Tritium Interaction with Surface Layer and Bulk of Type 316 Stainless Steel and Consequences of Aging journal July 2013
Tritium Migration to the Surfaces of Type 316 Stainless Steel; Aluminum 6061; and Oxygen-Free, High-Conductivity Copper journal July 2016
Effects of H 2 O and H 2 O 2 on Thermal Desorption of Tritium from Stainless Steel journal August 2008
Corrosion Inhibition of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys by Soluble Chromates, Chromate Coatings, and Chromate-Free Coatings journal May 2003

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Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
chromate-conversion coatings
materials development and modeling
tritium materials