Characterizing Irradiation Degradation in Nuclear Power Systems: Eliminating Artefacts

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Two PIs at Queen's are seeking to to develop a mechanistic understanding of irradiation effects on corrosion and stress corrosion cracking. Their studies are made possible by the presence of the RMTL facility (www.rmtl.ca); this facility make Queen's one of the few universities in the world capable of introducing significant levels of irradiation damage into materials. The proton accelerator at RMTL allows us to generate damage directly comparable to the damage found in high radiation environments of practical engineering concern, for example inside a nuclear reactor or in extraterrestrial space. The changes in microstructure and microchemistry caused by irradiation alter subsequent corrosion and corrosion-cracking phenomena. Further, many corrosion or corrosion-cracking reactions occur away from air (e.g. in water). Once removed from the corrosive environment, any subsequent exposure to air can introduce oxidation artifacts that prevent subsequent Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis, which we need to use to assist in our interpretations of local mechanisms. The co-applicants are therefore requesting funding to purchase an inert gas glovebox and transfer system that allows preparation of samples and subsequent transfer to an SEM while maintaining an inert environment. Since the samples will have been irradiated and hence radioactive, this inert system will be located within the RMTL facility, a multi-user facility, and hence will be available for all RMTL users.