Irradiation, Heat, and Corrosion Resistant Hexagonal Boron Nitride-Cement Coating for Mitigating Aging and Irradiation Effects in Nuclear Power Plants

The goal of this project is to develop a novel experimental protocol utilizing the fundamentals of cutting-edge materials science, chemistry, and advanced nanoengineering to create a first-of-its-kind multifunctional cementitious coating material that mitigates the detrimental effects of irradiation, heat, and corrosive in nuclear power plants. Capitalizing on our promising preliminary results, the core fabrication of the proposed coating material leverages the unique exotic properties (e.g., ultra high surface area, exceptional thermal, mechanical and radiational properties) of the emerging 2D materials (hexagonal boron nitride) followed by strategic coupling with a special formulation of a calcium aluminate cement (a special form of cement) to deliver a durable and multifunctional cementitious coating material. Key unique features of our product are 1) high temperature, corrosion and radiation resistant, 2) high strength and toughness properties, 3) adhesion to a range of materials including concrete, metals, and polymers, 4) in-situ application and ease of implementation (it hardens in less than 2 hrs), 5) no toxicity and natural integration to the existing manufacturing facilities (via painted/sprayed coating), and 6) low-cost. Together, these attributes constitute a significant first-step in altering deterioration and aging of nuclear power plants and potentially will lead to a new line of commercialization with dual use (nuclear industry and broader infrastructures).