Low-Melting Phosphate Glass Coatings for Structural Parts Composed of Depleted Uranium

The applications of depleted uranium in mechanical engineering are limited by its high susceptibility to corrosion. Among various methods of corrosion protection, painting is usually considered a fast and cost-efficient method; however, organic polymer paints are sensitive to ionizing radiation, which is a limiting factor, e.g., for the fabrication of shielding containers or structural parts. The solution presented in this work is the creation of a glassy inorganic layer on top of the depleted uranium surface. Zinc lead phosphate low-melting glass was investigated for this purpose. Glass frit was obtained as an amorphous solid, as confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. The frit was easily ground in liquid media down to sizes suitable for spraying onto the surface of depleted uranium. When the glass powder is sprayed onto the surface of a substrate and fired at 440 degrees C, a partially crystallized continuous film with a complex morphology is formed, which significantly inhibits corrosion. The coating material shows resistance against high doses of gamma-irradiation.

Automated summary

The high susceptibility to corrosion limits the applications of depleted uranium in mechanical engineering. This study proposes a solution of creating a glassy inorganic layer on the surface of depleted uranium, which significantly inhibits corrosion. Zinc lead phosphate low-melting glass is investigated for this purpose and successfully obtained as a glass frit suitable for spraying onto the surface. The sprayed glass powder forms a partially crystallized continuous film upon firing, demonstrating resistance against corrosion and high doses of gamma-irradiation.