The Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation reports that scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) have developed a multilayer coating for fusion reactor components that is capable of self-healing under extreme conditions. The material remains stable at temperatures up to 900 degrees Celsius.
The coating structure consists of four layers: a niobium protective layer with a thickness of 3 microns, a radiation protection layer consisting of alternating niobium and zirconium nanolayers (1 micron), a zirconium adhesive layer (10 microns) and a zirconium alloy base layer with 1% niobium with a thickness of 0.7 mm. The ministry notes that this structure ensures mechanical strength and controlled development of defects.
Testing was performed in situ using X-ray diffraction, Doppler expansion spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. The results confirmed the reversibility of the phase transition and the preservation of the multilayer structure during cyclic heating.
