Keywords
Corrosion
Nitriding
Plasma
Safety
How to Cite
Abstract
This study focuses on enhancing the safety and durability of AlMgSi, a research reactor fuel cladding/structural material, through surface hardening using the plasma nitriding method. The goal is to improve the material's resistance to corrosion while maintaining its integrity under nuclear reactor conditions. AlMgSi samples were nitrided at 448 K for varying times, and the workpiece with the highest surface hardness underwent corrosion and composition tests. The results demonstrated a significant increase in surface hardness by 49% (from 62.35 VHN to 92.79 VHN) and a notable reduction in corrosion rate by 69% (from 11.22 mpy to 3.51 mpy) after plasma nitriding for 3 hours at 448 kelvin.
Highlights:
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Significantly improved surface hardness: Plasma nitriding at 448 K for 3 hours resulted in a remarkable 49% increase in surface hardness, enhancing the material's resistance to wear and deformation.
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Effective corrosion protection: The plasma-nitrided AlMgSi exhibited a notable 69% decrease in corrosion rate, ensuring the material's longevity and safety under harsh reactor environments.
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Enhanced nitrogen content: The nitrogen content in AlMgSi increased from 0 to 5.13% atoms after the nitriding process, contributing to the material's improved mechanical and chemical properties.
References
D. Priyantoto, B. Pribadi, S. Lutfi, and T. Sujitno, “Nitridasi Plasma Temperatur 423 K pada Permukaan AlMgSi sebagai Bahan Struktur Reaktor Riset,” Prosiding SNFA (Seminar Nasional Fisika dan Aplikasinya), vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 10–18, Dec. 2022, doi: 10.20961/prosidingsnfa.v7i0.71949.
S. Sigit and E. Nuraini, "Characterization of AlMgSi as Research Reactor Structural Material," in Proc. Presentasi Ilmiah Daur Bahan Bakar Nuklir III PEBN-BATAN Jakarta, pp. 50-55, Nov. 4-5, 1997.
D. Priyantoro, "Introduction to Nuclear Power Plant (PLTN)," Yogyakarta: Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Nuklir, BATAN, 2012.
J. Weisman, "Elements of Nuclear Reactor Design," 2nd ed., Malabar, FL, USA: Robert E. Krieger Publishing Company, Inc., 1983.
D. Priyantoro, "Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Physics," Yogyakarta: Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Nuklir, BATAN, 2009.
S. Lutfi, "Plasma Nitriding of AlMgSi Surface as Research Reactor Fuel Element Structural Material," Undergraduate Thesis, Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Nuklir BATAN, Yogyakarta, 2015.
D. Priyantoro, "Surface Hardening of Bearings using Plasma Nitriding Technique," in Proc. Seminar Nasional SDM Teknologi Nuklir VII Yogyakarta, Nov. 16, 2011.
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