© РИА Томск. Павел Стефанский
TOMSK, Mar 6 – RIA Tomsk. Scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU)
improved the zirconium alloy, from which the fuel element shells for nuclear
reactors are made. This made it more durable; for this purpose scientists
proposed to incorporate titanium ions into the alloy, the press service of TPU
reported on Tuesday.
It is explained that fuel element – is a key part of the nuclear
reactor: the rods inside which the separation of heavy nuclei of uranium or
pluton with the release of heat are take place. The material for production of
fuel elements – is zirconium alloy. In operating time in fuel elements and from
water of the reactor hydrogen is emitted, the accumulation of which leads to
loss of plasticity and corrosion of the alloy, which reduces the operating time
of zirconium products.
"The scientists of TPU improved the zirconium alloy from which fuel
element shells are made ... For this purpose scientists proposed to incorporate
titanium ions into the alloy. The surface of the alloy, modified in this way,
becomes one and a half times more durable. The results of the study are
published in Applied Surface Science magazine", – is said in the statement.
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The unique implantation technology by means of high-intensity ion beams
to improve the surface of zirconium alloys was developed at TPU under the
guidance of Professor Alexander Ryabchikov with the support of the Russian
Science Foundation (RPF) grant. The technology is currently ready for mass
production use, the press service notes.
"The introduction of titanium ions into a depth of more than 10
micrometers (0.01 millimeter) increased the hardness and wear resistance of the
zirconium alloy. To achieve this, a stream of ions generated from plasma of
vacuum and was focused into a small spot ... This technology increased hardness
and wear resistance of alloy, respectively, in 1.5 and 1.4 times", – the
press service quotes the co-author of the research Egor Kashkarov.