Khalifa University researcher develops innovative coating for nuclear fuel safety
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Driven by the need to improve nuclear reactor safety, an Emirati researcher is focusing her efforts on developing accident-tolerant fuels (ATFs).PhD researcher Ghadeer Hegab Mohamed from the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department at Khalifa University of Science and Technology, under the supervision of Prof. Akram AlFantazi, is working on the development of special chromium coating for fuel rods.This coating helps the rods withstand extreme conditions during accidents, using advanced testing methods to ensure better protection and performance.Her project, titled "Systematic Fuel Performance Analysis of Accident Tolerant Fuels (Development of Cr-Coated Cladding and Evaluation of its Applicability)," is funded and conducted within the Emirates Nuclear Technology Centre (ENTC) at the University."Zircaloy-based cladding, which is widely used in pressurised water reactors, reacts with steam at high temperatures-producing dangerous levels of hydrogen and causing core damage during severe accidents," she said."The chromium-coated version offers a practical, near-term solution by increasing resistance to oxidation while still fitting within current manufacturing and licensing systems."To achieve this, she developed a new method to coat the inside and outside of the fuel rod casing with chromium, making it stronger and more resistant to damage during accidents. The team also added a middle layer to help the coating stick better and protect the rods more effectively at high temperatures."This single-step process uses environmentally friendly materials to create an even coating," she said.The chromium-coated cladding provides better resistance to high-temperature damage, gives more time to respond in emergencies, and stays strong under pressure, she noted, adding that "it works with current reactor designs, so there's no need for expensive system changes."To test the coating, she used both lab experiments and computer models.In the lab, her team used advanced imaging tools to closely examine the coating's surface and structure, making sure it was strong, even, and protective.They also carried out high-temperature tests to see how well the coating resists damage, along with trials to check how strongly it sticks to the fuel rod surface.Meanwhile, on the digital side, her team used computer tools to simulate how the fuel behaves in different conditions-like how it reacts inside the reactor, how heat and fluids move around it, and what might happen during an accident.The impact of this research could be transformative. "It can greatly enhance nuclear reactor safety by reducing hydrogen buildup, slowing down core damage during accidents, and enabling more efficient fuel use," she explained.Her team is continuing high-temperature tests to check oxidation resistance and how well the coating sticks. "We also plan to collaborate with international research reactors to test how the material performs under actual radiation. Our computer simulations will help confirm how it behaves inside a working reactor."
"The successful implementation of this research aligns with the UAE's vision for a sustainable and safe nuclear energy programme."
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