Development, optimization and implementation of corrosion resistant coating technologies to mitigate and repair potential stress corrosion cracking on spent nuclear fuel canisters

NTESS is seeking collaborations with industrial partners who have proven experience in developing, applying, and implementing corrosion resistant coatings. Through this collaboration, corrosion resistant coatings will be evaluated as potential candidates to be applied to SNF canisters to mitigate/repair potential SCC. Material properties and application methods of candidate coatings will be rigorously evaluated by NTESS and the industrial partner to develop an optimized coating and an implementation strategy which is viable for application on SNF canisters. Coating technologies proposed by industry partners should have achieved a Technical Readiness Level (TRL) between 6 and 9, as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy. The proposed candidate coating(s) should have demonstrated adhesion to stainless steel substrates (such as 304 or 316 austenitic stainless steels), high thermal and radiolytic resistance, good corrosion resistance and resistant to water and oxygen permeation, and be applied using simple application methods (such as painting or spraying). Material systems that appear to be ideal for this application include (but are not limited to) ceramic/oxides, polymeric, and conversion based coatings. Examples of application on contaminated surfaces (contaminated with pollen, salts or dust/soil) and/or required preparation/cleaning processes are also of interest to NTESS. Qualified respondents will perform substrate cleaning processes, coating deposition, coating optimization, and provide in-kind support in the form of staff and facilities. Qualified respondents will have the option to obtain access to the data generated by SNL during the testing and evaluation. NTESS technical team is available for 1:1 discussions upon request with the interested commercial parties to discuss viability of proposed coating technologies to address mitigation and repair strategies for potential SCC on SNF canisters. Please email Jason Martinez at [email protected] to set up a discussion with the NTESS technical team.