Interaction of Polymethyl Methacrylate with Boehmite-Filmed Aluminum Cladding Under Gamma Irradiation

Journal Article · 15 October 2024 · Nuclear Science and Engineering

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00295639.2024.2406714 · OSTI ID:2472811

Sluder, Daniel K.  ^[1]; Curnutt, Bryon J.  ^[1]; Vega-Montoto, Lorenzo  ^[1]; Orchard, Joshua D. ^[1]; Horkley, Matthew D. ^[1]; Skeen, Trevor J. ^[1]; Stewart, Dean A. ^[1]

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1. Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

This paper presents an overview of ongoing work to qualify the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) driver fuel elements that have been affected by irradiation-degraded polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) flux wands. Irradiation testing was performed on PMMA material in contact with aluminum clad material. The cladding was prefilmed with a boehmite oxide layer, an important feature of the ATR driver fuel. The effects on the boehmite layer due to gamma irradiation of the PMMA-aluminum clad system were investigated. PMMA embrittlement, followed by softening and degradation, occurred at high radiation levels. Adhesion between the cladding and irradiated PMMA was observed. Flow testing at prototypic ATR flow rates demonstrated the effective removal of the adhered material. Measurements of the boehmite layer thickness were performed, and Raman spectroscopy was utilized to detect the presence of boehmite in the irradiated PMMA material.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: AC07-05ID14517
• OSTI ID: 2472811
• Report Number(s): INL/JOU--24-76907-Rev000
• Journal Information: Nuclear Science and Engineering, Journal Name: Nuclear Science and Engineering Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 200; ISSN 0029-5639
• Publisher: Taylor & FrancisCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English