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1771500 
Journal Article 
Aluminum-Based Barrier Development for Nuclear Fusion Applications 
Konys, J; Krauss, W; Holstein, N 
2011 
Yes 
Corrosion
ISSN: 0010-9312 
NATL ASSOC CORROSION ENG 
HOUSTON 
67 
2 
WOS:000294545100008 
In the helium-cooled lead-lithium (HCLL) design concept for
blanket structures of a future fusion power plant, the eutectic Pb-15.7Li alloy is used as a
liquid tritium breeder and is in direct contact with the structural material, e. g., ferritic-
martensitic steels. Compatibility tests showed that a high corrosion attack appears and that the
dissolved steel elements like Fe and Cr form precipitates, with a high risk of system blockages.
Therefore, coatings as corrosion barriers are required for a reliable plant operation. Because of
safety reasons, a distinct permeation reduction of the tritium, produced in the Pb-Li alloy by
nuclear reactions, into the environment has to be limited, too. Previous developments already
showed that Al-based coatings can perform very well as anti-corrosion and tritium permeation (T-
permeation) reduction barriers in a PbLi environment. However, industrially relevant coating
technologies for fusion application are still missing and/or cannot fulfil low activation
criteria. Electrochemical deposition processes are highly flexible and used widely for the
production of functional coatings, e.g., for corrosion protection. Nevertheless, because of its
unique electrochemistry, Al cannot be deposited from water-based systems. Therefore, the
development of two different Al coating processes from nonaqueous systems was initiated and
proofed by the successful generation of protective and reproducible scales after heat treatment. 
aluminum coating development; anti-corrosion barriers; corrosion; electrochemical aluminum deposition; lead-lithium corrosion; tritium permeation barriers