Laser Cladding of Alloy 82 Powder for Corrosion Protection in Small Modular Reactors

There has been an increased demand for surface modification technologies to enhance corrosionresistance and wear-resistance. Among the representative surface coating technologies, laser cladding has attracted great attention because of its multiple advantages including low heat input, low dilution ratio, controllable clad height, etc. Recently, laser cladding has been considered as a surface coating technology for the next-generation small modular reactor, although submerged arc welding was utilized for the 3rd generation nuclear reactor. Cobalt-free materials are required as cladding materials in the nuclear reactor because cobalt has a long half-life. In this work, nickel based cobalt-free Alloy 82 powder was utilized. The main experimental parameters for laser cladding were intensively investigated by varying laser power, scan speed, powder supply, carrier and shield gas, overlap ratio, etc. Additionally, cross-sectional area calculation and EPMA analysis were carried out to examine the dilution ratio. Mechanical properties were also evaluated using microhardness tests and wear tests at high temperatures. Finally, corrosion tests were performed to compare a laser clad surface with an uncoated carbon steel surface. Our study indicates that the laser cladding using Alloy 82 powder is feasible for corrosion protection in next-generation small modular reactors.