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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records

Advanced Coating Compositions and Microstructures to Improve Uptime and Operational Flexibility in Cyclic, Low-Load Thermal Utility Plants

GE, the University of Tennessee, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory collaborated from 2020 to 2023 developing two key technologies for improving the viability of fuel switching and load following in thermal utility plants: a) cost-effective weld overlay compositions for boiler tubing b) cathodic arc coatings that deliver improvements in both erosion resistance and oxidation resistance in high temperature steam for HP turbine blades The team worked through a robust, logical project map to de-risk these two technologies and advance them from TRL 3 to TRL 6. For the cost-effective weld overlay, the team developed a ferritic filler material which was fabricated at a vendor for 18% the average market cost of Inconel 625 wire, had a corrosion rate 3x lower in conditions simulating a biomass-fired superheater and 10x lower in conditions simulating a coal-fired superheater, and was fabricated into prototype overlaid tubing that passed ASME requirements including transverse bending, dye penetrant inspection, and ASTM G-76 evaluation. For the cathodic arc coatings applied to steam turbine blades, the team developed a novel composition that was successfully transferred to a qualified vendor. The vendor was able to produce coated prototypes with 4x the as-deposited erosion resistance and 10.4x the post-steam-exposure erosion resistance of the TiN coating the vendor currently applies on GE steam turbine components, without significantly increasing process cost. These coated prototypes also passed a GE inspection and showed favorable performance in high temperature erosion, nanoindentation, sliding wear, scratch adhesion, and high cycle fatigue testing. If successfully deployed by GE, it is anticipated that the technologies will enable the following: • 25%-50% increase in time between outages for both boilers and HP turbines. • 50% decrease in cost for weld overlay on a per foot basis relative to todays NiCr alloys. • Adequate oxidation resistance and erosion for HP turbine inlet steam at >620°C and >220 bar. • No need for changes in component supply chain or any notable Capital Expenditures. 5 Decreasing component cost, increasing performance, and extending time between outages represent direct value propositions to GE and their customers. For the American consumer, these objectives translate into increased grid reliability (fewer unexpected outages), decreased Levelized Cost of Electricity, and improved environmental health (low-loading/load following to accelerate penetration of renewables). The results also have implications for wear resistant tooling, wire arc additive manufacturing, more durable components for syngas cleanup, and deployment of more efficient thermochemical pathways for carbon negative fuel production

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Development of Corrosion- and Erosion-Resistant Coatings for Advanced Ultra-Supercritical Materials

This final report summarized the research efforts and major findings of the Phase I Project “Development of Corrosion- and Erosion-Resistant Coatings for Advanced Ultra-Supercritical Materials”, for the period of October 1, 2019 – Sept. 30, 2021. This project is a collaborative endeavor between Tennessee Tech University, Purdue University, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Siemens Corporation, and Eastern Plating, LLC, aiming at improving the durability and lifetime of high-pressure (HP) steam turbine blades in advanced ultra-supercritical (A-USC) coal-fired power plants through the development of corrosion/erosion-resistant coatings manufactured via a low-cost electrolytic codeposition process. While Tribaloy alloy T-400C was identified by the U.S. A-USC Materials Consortium as a promising coating composition, further composition optimization is needed to enhance its corrosion and erosion resistance for protecting the A-USC Ni-base turbine components. An integrated computational and experimental approach was employed to optimize coating composition/microstructure and processing parameters. In order to identify candidate coating compositions that could offer balanced properties, thermodynamic calculations were performed to explore the γ+Laves composition space in the Co-Ni-Cr-Mo-Si system with different alloying additions at 600-800 °C. Guided by the calculation results, experimental assessment of selected alloys led to the development of a new generation of Tribaloy compositions with the optimal levels of Cr, Mo and Si, reactive element (e.g., 0.4-0.6 wt.% Y) and other alloying additions. The low-cost and non-line-of-sight electro-codeposition process was employed to deposit a Ni(Co)-CrMoSiY composite coating on commercial Haynes 282 (H282) Ni-base alloy. A diffusion treatment was subsequently applied to convert the composite to the Tribaloy-type coating. Both the codeposition parameters and heat treatment conditions were varied to achieve the desired coating composition, microstructure and phase constituents. In addition, since additive manufacturing (AM) may be an alternative cost-saving option for potential A-USC turbine repair, laser direct deposition was explored to fabricate the H282 alloy with minimal defects. The electro-codeposited Tribaloy coating was also applied to the AM H282 substrate to demonstrate the viability of the coating process in improving the surface finish of AM alloys. Both high-temperature oxidation performance and solid particle erosion (SPE) resistance of model alloys and electro-codeposited coatings were evaluated. About 25 model alloys with various Cr/Mo ratios and reactive element levels, as well as partial substitution of Mo with Nb were evaluated with regard to their oxidation resistance in both air and pure steam at 760-800°C. Compositions based on Ni(Co)-20Cr-18Mo-2.6Si-0.6Y (wt.%) showed significantly improved oxidation resistance over the baseline T400-C. Based on the alloy development results, three generations of new Tribaloy coatings (Gen-1, Gen-2, and Gen-3) with various Mo/Cr contents and Y levels were prepared via electro-codeposition and their microstructure/performance were evaluated. Outstanding air and steam oxidation resistance was achieved for the Gen-2 and Gen-3 coatings. Furthermore, while the SPE resistance of the coatings depended on many factors such as temperature, environment, erodent, velocity and impact angle, the coated samples exhibited similar or better SPE resistance compared to the H282 substrate when magnetite was used as erodent (which is a realistic erodent in A-USC steam turbines). The new Tribaloy coatings also had good long-term compatibility with the H282 alloy substrate. The two large-sized rotating barrels were designed, constructed, and employed to coat dummy HP blades. Uniform coating thickness and microstructure were achieved at various blade locations. Also, a preliminary techno-economic analysis of the proposed coating process was conducted to quantify the cost-effectiveness and to assess the commercial viability of the corrosion- and erosion-resistant coatings. It is estimated that a cost reduction of ~30% could be achieved with the electro-codeposition coating process over the state-of-the-art high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) thermal spray. Compared to the leading Tribaloy coating technologies such as HVOF and plasma transfer alloying, electro-codeposition based process has advantages such as low-cost process equipment, uniform deposition even for complex shapes, low levels of contaminants/porosities, reduction of powder waste, and potentially better surface finish and longer turbine service life. The Phase 1 study has demonstrated that it is feasible to develop an electro-codeposited Tribaloy coating with balanced corrosion and erosion properties, even though additional research efforts such as further coating process scale-up and longer-term performance evaluation under realistic A-USC conditions are clearly needed.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

Status Report on the Development of Cladding Inner-wall and Outer-wall Coatings

Advanced cladding is critical for nuclear reactors with enhanced performance in radiation tolerance, neutron transparency and reactor safety. Using advanced cladding will ensure the adequate thermal conductivity and mechanical stability of the cladding base material, corrosion resistance and high-temperature coolant compatibility of the cladding surface, and chemical stability in the cladding inner wall against fuel cladding chemical interaction (FCCI). An innovative cladding with a three-layer structure (i.e., a modified outer surface, a robust clad base material, and a modified inner wall) promises to meet all these requirements. In this status report, the initial efforts on the development of cladding inner-wall and outer-wall coatings are summarized. The activities covered in this report are (1) High-resolution TEM studies of TiN/HT-9 interface atomic structure and chemistry after ion irradiation, (2) High-resolution TEM studies of TiN/14YWT ODS interface atomic structure after thermal cycling, (3) Inner-wall TiN coating for an experimental 14YWT ODS cladding, and (4) Corrosion test of TiN coated Ziracloy-4 bar samples.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Copper–Carbon Nanotube Composites Enabled by Brush Coating for Advanced Conductors

There is a growing demand for advanced conductors with enhanced electrical properties to increase the energy efficiency in various applications. A promising strategy to achieve this involves the use of ultraconductive copper (UCC) composites that incorporate highly conductive carbon materials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), into the copper matrix. In this study, we present a scalable brush coating technique to incorporate CNTs onto Cu substrates to produce Cu–CNT–Cu composites. The process involves brush coating the CNT solution on Cu tape substrates, followed by vacuum-assisted thermal removal of organic moieties (e.g., surfactant/polymer). This step ensures the creation of a uniformly distributed CNT network within the Cu matrix. By addition of a thin film Cu overlayer, the fabricated Cu–CNT–Cu composite architecture demonstrates similar electrical conductivity, increased current carrying capacity, and enhanced mechanical properties compared to pure Cu reference tapes. Finally, the performance characteristics of these UCC tapes along with the scalability of the brush coating approach hold great promise for the fabrication of advanced conductors for wide-ranging energy applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Development of Refractory Alloys and Refractory Coatings for Advanced Nuclear Reactors

The next generation of nuclear reactors will benefit from materials that enable operation at higher temperatures (>500°C), higher irradiation doses (up to 200 displacements per atom (dpa)), and the use of more corrosive and reactive coolants. This work package represents the first experimental steps towards a longer-term effort to develop refractory materials for nuclear energy applications which will enable operation under these conditions. Specifically, this work package focuses on additive manufacturing of refractories as both a refractory liner coating deposited onto the interior surface of a metallic tubular backbone and as bulk refractory alloys. During fiscal year 23 (FY23), several refractory metal coating systems and bulk alloys were examined and selected using a decision criteria matrix. The refractory metal coating systems included molybdenum, tungsten, and zirconium as refractory coatings on backbones of either carbon-carbon (C/C) or silicon carbide-silicon carbide (SiC/SiC) ceramic matrix composites. The bulk refractory alloys included C-103, WTa, and WNiFe as bulk alloys. During FY24 additional bulk refractory alloys and metallic backbones were evaluated using the decision criteria matrix based on input from the AMMT leadership team. These included 316 SS and 316H SS for the metallic backbones and Mo-La, Ta, and Nb1Zr as bulk refractory alloys. The primary focus for the FY24 effort was placed on establishing the capabilities to deposit refractory coatings based on the results of the scoring in the decision criteria matrix and finalizing the additively manufactured TZM studies which were incorporated into the AMMT program from the microreactor program. Further efforts were dedicated to establishing the capabilities to additively manufacture down-selected bulk refractory alloys.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Joining Study for Formed Plate Heat Exchangers (CRADA Final Report)

Plate heat exchangers (PHEs) have been used in numerous industrial applications, such as HVAC systems, power generation, transportation and manufacturing. The performance of plate heat exchangers is frequently undermined by corrosion, fouling, and scaling. These phenomena not only diminish heat transfer efficiency but also lead to increased operational costs, maintenance demands, and reduced equipment lifespan. In this project, the team addressed the widespread challenges of corrosion, fouling, and scaling, and explored alternative material solutions. While commonly used materials like stainless steel and titanium offer notable benefits, they can still experience corrosion under certain operating conditions. The advancement of new materials and surface engineering technologies, such as advanced coating, ceramics, composites materials, and high entropy alloys are promising for can help solve these issues, enable longer lifetime and high performance of plate heat exchangers.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Power Cylinder Friction Reduction Through Coatings, Surface Finish and Design

About 7-10% of the total energy input in a vehicle is lost due to mechanical friction, and in an engine, about 50% of the total frictional losses occur at the interface between the cylinder and pistons and piston rings. Therefore, this interface offers great opportunities for friction reduction. The goal of this proposed study is to demonstrate friction reduction potential using advanced coatings, surface finish, and design on power cylinder system containing cylinder bore, piston rings, crankshaft, and advanced engine oils. Experience through years of research in this area lead us to believe that full benefit potential can be realized only by considering a systems approach.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Advanced Moderation Module for High-Temperature Micro-Reactor Applications

Development and deployment of micro-reactors that provide competitive efficiency, prevailing compactness, and inherent safety is an immediate focus of the U.S. nuclear industry. For thermal neutron micro-reactors operating at elevated temperature for optimized efficiency, such as micro molten-salt reactors (MSRs), heat-pipe reactors, and very-high temperature reactors (VHTRs), high-performance moderator based on metal hydride can enhance the neutron economy and therefore achieve reduced weight and enhanced portability. As unclad metal hydride inevitably decomposes at elevated temperature, an enclosure is required for hydride moderator to deliver desired performance at elevated temperatures. Conventional moderator enclosure solutions based on high-temperature alloys introduce extraneous neutron penalty into the micro-reactor, affecting the neutronic benefits provided by the hydride moderator. Additionally, the compatibility between the high-temperature alloy enclosure and the micro-reactor matrix is also a potential issue. In this report, we disclose an Advanced Moderator Module (AMM) concept enabled by an innovative enclosure solution combining the advantages of refractory metals, ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), and advanced coating technology to serve as hydrogen permeation barrier up to very-high temperatures. A schematic description of the AMM structure is illustrated in Figure A1. The AMM contains a moderating material core made of metal hydride with high thermal stability, such as YH 2-x . The hydride core is enclosed by an H 2 barrier layer coated on a ductile refractory metal liner to minimize hydrogen loss during high-temperature operation. A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) cladding is adopted to provide further structural strength, especially during power transients. Between the CMC cladding and metal liner, an extra diffusion barrier coating is inserted to suppress the chemical interaction at elevated temperatures. Hence, based on a series of innovative material solutions, the AMM is capable of containing the metal hydride core at elevated temperature (>900oC) inside coated and lined CMC envelop with negligible hydrogen loss throughout the microreactor lifetime. The benefit of the AMM technology was assessed based on a comprehensive multi-stage reactor-physics analysis. Advanced moderation based on hydride metals (such as YH2-x) enables reaching optimum moderation with higher fuel content than traditional VHTR technology, which is required to design compact micro-reactor cores targeting long-life operation. The AMM enclosure technology provides lower thermal neutron absorption rates than traditional solutions (based on stainless steel or Mo-based alloy such as TZM), which reduces the fissile enrichment requirements by 6-8% on a TRISO-fueled design based on the EMPIRE core. Finally, combining the hydride moderator with neutron transparent enclosure solutions provides significant potential to boost neutronics performance of micro-reactors in terms of increased core lifetime or reduced size and weight by 30-50% on a micro-reactor based on the Holos Quad technology. The progress and plans for on-going development and demonstration efforts are also discussed in this report. The current demonstration of AMM is focused on the hydrogen diffusion barrier demonstration under thermal cycling, while radiation tolerance demonstration is planned. The next step of the demonstration plan will be the assembly of miniature AMM for high-temperature testing, which can be used as a prototype for future pilot scale demonstration.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

High Temperature Mechanical Behavior of Refractory Alloys with Digital Image Correlation

Gas turbine efficiency is typically limited by the maximum allowable temperature for components at the inlet side and in the hot gas flow. Refractory alloys and SiC/SiC ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs) are promising candidates for advancing operating temperatures beyond those of Ni-based alloys (>1200 °C). Refractory alloys are more suitable than SiC/SiC CMCs for dynamic components, due to the latter's low toughness and ductility. However, it is well known that refractory alloys suffer from poor oxidation behavior under service lifetimes and conditions, leading to embrittlement concerns. The ARPA-E ULTIMATE program has set out to combine new alloys with advanced coatings to mitigate oxidation/embrittlement effects, while increasing the mechanical performance benefits of refractory materials. Low oxygen (inert gas) or vacuum systems are needed to assess high temperature mechanical performance of developed alloys. To investigate the environmental sensitivity of candidate alloys and develop high temperature testing capabilities, four argon tensile frames were upgraded as well as a single vacuum system at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Digital image correlation was incorporated into the vacuum frame allowing for surface strain determination and refined insight into thermomechanical response. Creep testing was performed at 1300 °C on two alloys, C-103 and MHC in vacuum and high purity argon environments. The Mo-based alloy showed less sensitivity to oxygen, indicating that testing in well-controlled argon environments may be suitable. The C-103 alloy demonstrated a stronger sensitivity to oxygen in the well-controlled argon environment, illustrating the need for the developed vacuum testing capabilities. “Small” 25 mm and “large” 76 mm MHC specimens showed comparable results in terms of strain rate during creep testing and ultimate tensile strength during tensile testing, suggesting the viability of smaller geometries that use less material of advanced developmental alloys.

Bell, Sam↗

Organo-catalyzed deamination of polystyrene sulfonamide for diverse post-polymerization modification of styrenic polymers

Post-polymerization modification allows for the incorporation of functional groups that would otherwise be incompatible with polymerization conditions, enhancing synthetic efficiency and facilitating the creation of complex polymer architectures for specialized applications, such as biomedical devices, electronics, and advanced coatings. Herein, we report a method inspired by late-stage functionalization of small molecules for the post-polymerization modification of aromatic polymers, specifically polystyrene (PS), under mild reaction conditions. First, PS was converted to polystyrene sulfonamide (PSSNH 2 ) with an 85% yield using established procedures. PSSNH 2 was subsequently transformed into a reactive sulfinate by deamination using an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyst and benzaldehyde. The catalytic process was optimized by varying catalysts, solvents, bases, temperatures, and reaction times. The highest degree of deamination was 88% with a bicyclic NHC and K 2 CO 3 base in DMSO for 18 hours at 120 °C. The reactive sulfinate was then treated with various functional reagents, resulting in a library of aromatic polymers with different substituents with high degrees of functionalization ranging from 74% to 98%. Similarly, we modified expanded PS waste with trifluorobutyl iodide with a degree of functionalization of 72%, highlighting a new avenue for plastic upgrading. This approach could be used to rapidly generate functionalized polymers from PS with potential applications, including antibacterial properties and flame retardancy.

Shrestha, Tulaja [Univ. of Delaware, Newark, DE (U↗

Joining Study for Formed Plate Heat Exchangers (Final Report)

Plate heat exchangers (PHEs) have been used in numerous industrial applications, such as HVAC systems, power generation, transportation and manufacturing. The performance of plate heat exchangers is frequently undermined by corrosion, fouling, and scaling. These phenomena not only diminish heat transfer efficiency but also lead to increased operational costs, maintenance demands, and reduced equipment lifespan. In this project, the team addressed the widespread challenges of corrosion, fouling, and scaling, and explored alternative material solutions. While commonly used materials like stainless steel and titanium offer notable benefits, they can still experience corrosion under certain operating conditions. The advancement of new materials and surface engineering technologies, such as advanced coating, ceramics, composites materials, and high entropy alloys are promising for can help solve these issues, enable longer lifetime and high performance of plate heat exchangers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Further Support of the Development of Advanced Multilayer Optics Coatings for X-Ray Imaging

SAO is working with LLNL to develop Wolter-I optics for x-ray imaging applications at energies of 15-50 keV and above at NNSA facilities. Our work includes R&D on advanced multilayer coatings as well as fabrication and testing of Wolter-I multilayer coated optics. It also includes delivery of custom 3.05-meter focal length Wolter optics with response at energies of interest to Sandia National Laboratories and LLNL. The mandrels for the custom optics are fabricated at MSFC. In previous contracts, SAO delivered several optics to LLNL with response at various energies. During this present contract period two tasks were carried out. Task1: the coating, replication and characterization of a custom optic with peak response at 22.8 keV, using the custom-designed SANZ mandrels. Task2: carrying out modifications to the coating chamber at SAO to accommodate new, longer, custom-designed mandrels (SANZlong) that will be fabricated at NASA MSFC in FY2020. The longer mandrels are necessary to mitigate end effects observed in the replication process for the small optics currently being fabricated.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Advanced thermal/environmental barrier coatings of high-entropy rare earth disilicates tuned by strong anharmonicity of Eu 2 Si 2 O 7

Advancing thermal/environmental barrier coating (TEBC) materials with integrated thermal-mechanical functions is paramount for safeguarding SiC-based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) in high-efficiency gas turbines. Herein, we employ a synergistic approach, combining density functional theory (DFT) methods and combinatorial chemistry techniques, to design high-performance and low-cost RE 2 Si 2 O 7 (RE = rare earth elements) TEBC materials tailored for enhanced compatibility with SiC-based CMCs. Expanding on phase stability of alloying pure RE 2 Si 2 O 7 , the investigation extends to the mechanical and thermal properties of solid solution systems, including Er 1/2 Y 3/4 Yb 3/4 Si 2 O 7 , Gd 1/4 Er 1/4 Y 3/4 Yb 3/4 Si 2 O 7 , and Eu 1/4 Er 1/4 Y 3/4 Yb 3/4 Si 2 O 7 . The solid solution systems exhibit a major reduction in lattice thermal conductivity relative to their pure counterparts, achieving ultralow values of 0.25 to 0.39 W m −1 K −1 at 1500 K. Furthermore, the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of these solid solutions are precisely tuned within the desired range for SiC (4.4 to 5.5 × 10 −6 K −1 ), while maintaining good mechanical properties. Here, in particular, the addition of Eu 2 Si 2 O 7 demonstrates to be an important variable to the tuning of CTE and lattice thermal conductivity by leveraging its strong anharmonicity, presenting a pioneering avenue for fine-tuning material properties. In summary, this research not only identifies promising TEBC materials with superior thermal properties, but also introduces a valuable computational material design methodology for the rapid discovery of complex materials for harsh environments.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Further Support of the Development of Advanced Multilayer Optics Coatings for X-Ray Imaging

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is working with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to develop Wolter-I optics for x-ray imaging applications at energies of 15-50 keV and above for National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) facilities. SAO work includes R&D on advanced multilayer coatings as well as fabrication and testing of Wolter multilayer coated optics. It also includes delivery of custom 3.05-meter focal length Wolter optics with response at energies of interest to Sandia National Laboratories and LLNL. The optics are fabricated using an electroform nickel replication technique which has been used to fabricate optics for X-ray astronomy satellites over the past two decades. This technique starts with a figured, polished mandrel from which the optics are replicated. To carry this technique over to fabricate optics for NNSA facilities, several additional barriers had to be overcome to deposit multilayer coatings on integral optics with radii as small as 25 mm. These breakthroughs allow fabrication of optics which meet the spatial and spectral specifications required by NNSA facilities. During this present contract period SAO delivered four custom optics to LLNL with spectral response at or near the Kα line of silver, 22.16 keV.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Advanced high temperature environmental barrier coating for SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites

Advanced environmental barrier coating bond coat systems with higher temperature capabilities and environmental resistance are disclosed. These bond coat systems can be applied to ceramic substrates such as SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composite substrates, and can provide protection from extreme temperature, mechanical loading and environmental conditions, such as in high temperature gas turbines. Example bond coat systems can include either an advanced silicon/silicide component, an oxide/silicate component, or a combination thereof.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Advanced high temperature environmental barrier coating systems for SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites

Advanced environmental barrier coating bond coat systems with higher temperature capabilities and environmental resistance are disclosed. These bond coat systems can be applied to ceramic substrates such as SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composite substrates, and can provide protection from extreme temperature, mechanical loading and environmental conditions, such as in high temperature gas turbines. Example bond coat systems can include either an advanced silicon/silicide component, an oxide/silicate component, or a combination thereof.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗