Critical protection solutions for nuclear power infrastructure. At CMC we provide specialized electroless nickel, electrolytic nickel, DLC, and composite coatings that meet the demanding requirements of nuclear energy applications. Our advanced coating technologies ensure safety, reliability, and extended component life in the world’s most challenging industrial environment.
The nuclear energy sector operates under extreme conditions with temperatures exceeding 325°C, intense radiation exposure, and stringent safety requirements. The electroless nickel market is projected to grow from $4.5 billion in 2024 to $7.9 billion by 2033, driven largely by advanced nuclear reactor development and enhanced safety protocols.
Nuclear Component Protection
Nuclear facilities contain hundreds of critical components that require specialized coating protection. Our coating solutions enhance performance, extend service life, and ensure operational safety across all reactor systems.
Key Nuclear Components We Coat:
Fuel System Components
- Fuel rod assemblies and cladding systems
- Fuel handling equipment and storage racks
- Reactor core internals and support structures
- Fuel transfer mechanisms and tools
Control and Safety Systems
- Control rod assemblies and guide tubes
- Safety injection system components
- Emergency shutdown mechanisms
- Reactor protection system hardware
Heat Transfer Systems
- Steam generator tubes and assemblies
- Heat exchanger components and headers
- Primary coolant pumps and impellers
- Secondary cooling system equipment
Pressure Systems
- Reactor pressure vessel internals
- Pressurizer components and heaters
- Primary circuit piping and fittings
- Containment penetration assemblies
Instrumentation and Monitoring
- In-core monitoring equipment
- Temperature and pressure sensors
- Radiation detection components
- Process control instrumentation
CMC Nuclear Coating Technologies
Electroless Nickel Plating High-phosphorus electroless nickel provides exceptional corrosion resistance in nuclear environments. The autocatalytic process ensures uniform coating thickness on complex geometries, critical for reactor components with intricate designs. Our electroless nickel coatings resist radiation-induced degradation while providing superior protection against high-temperature water corrosion.
Electrolytic Nickel (Nickel Sulfamate) Electrolytic nickel sulfamate plating delivers precise thickness control and excellent ductility for nuclear applications. This process provides superior adhesion and low-stress deposits essential for components subjected to thermal cycling and mechanical stress. Nickel sulfamate offers excellent corrosion protection while maintaining dimensional stability under reactor operating conditions.
Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) Coatings DLC coatings provide ultra-high hardness and chemical inertness crucial for nuclear applications. Recent research emphasizes the importance of irradiation-resistant coatings prepared by PVD technology for nuclear power equipment protection. Our DLC processes offer exceptional wear resistance and thermal stability in high-radiation environments.
Composite Coatings Specialized composite coatings combine multiple materials to address specific nuclear challenges. These advanced systems provide tailored properties including enhanced radiation resistance, improved thermal conductivity, and superior mechanical durability.
Passivation Treatments Comprehensive passivation services enhance stainless steel component corrosion resistance. Our passivation processes create protective oxide layers that resist degradation in nuclear coolant environments while maintaining material integrity under radiation exposure.
Nuclear Industry Standards Compliance
CMC maintains strict adherence to nuclear industry specifications and quality standards:
- ASTM A380 – Passivation of stainless steel components
- AMS 2405 – Electroless nickel plating specifications
- AMS 2404 – Hard nickel plating requirements
- ASTM B733-22 – Autocatalytic nickel-phosphorus coatings
- AMS 2423 – Advanced nuclear coating specifications
- AMS 2424 – Nuclear component plating requirements
- AMS 2700 – Stainless steel passivation standards
- ASTM A967 – Chemical passivation treatments
- Passivation Testing Method – Practice E – Comprehensive testing protocols
Our nuclear coating processes undergo rigorous testing including thickness verification, adhesion evaluation, corrosion resistance assessment, radiation exposure testing, and comprehensive quality documentation.
Nuclear Coating Applications
Reactor Core Components CMC coatings protect fuel assemblies, control rod mechanisms, core support structures, and instrumentation systems. Our electroless nickel and DLC processes provide radiation-resistant protection while maintaining neutron transparency where required.
Primary Circuit Systems
Steam generators, reactor coolant pumps, pressurizers, and associated piping benefit from our high-temperature corrosion protection. Electroless nickel and electrolytic nickel sulfamate coatings resist coolant chemistry effects while providing long-term reliability.
Safety and Emergency Systems Emergency core cooling systems, containment spray systems, and safety injection components require absolute reliability. Our coating solutions ensure these critical safety systems remain functional under all operating conditions.
Waste Management Systems Spent fuel storage systems, waste processing equipment, and decontamination tools utilize our corrosion-resistant coatings to handle radioactive materials safely while maintaining equipment integrity.
Advanced Nuclear Applications
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) The emerging SMR industry presents new coating challenges with compact designs and enhanced safety requirements. CMC develops specialized coating solutions for these next-generation reactor systems.
Generation IV Reactors Advanced reactor designs operating at higher temperatures require enhanced coating performance. Our DLC and composite coating technologies address the demanding requirements of these innovative nuclear systems.
Fusion Energy Systems Research into fusion reactor coatings, including tantalum-based systems, demonstrates the expanding role of advanced coatings in nuclear energy development. CMC participates in developing coating solutions for fusion applications.
Nuclear Coating Benefits
CMC nuclear coating solutions deliver:
- Enhanced Safety – Superior corrosion and radiation resistance
- Extended Component Life – Reduced maintenance and replacement costs
- Operational Reliability – Consistent performance under extreme conditions
- Regulatory Compliance – Full adherence to nuclear industry standards
- Cost Effectiveness – Optimized lifecycle economics through enhanced durability
Quality Assurance and Testing
Our nuclear coating processes include comprehensive quality verification:
- Thickness measurement and uniformity verification
- Adhesion testing under thermal cycling conditions
- Corrosion resistance evaluation in simulated reactor environments
- Radiation exposure testing for long-term stability
- Microhardness and mechanical property verification
- Chemical composition analysis and certification
- Complete documentation and traceability
Applications
Reactor Systems
- Fuel assemblies and core internals
- Control rod assemblies and drives
- Reactor pressure vessel components
- Primary coolant system equipment
Steam Generation
- Steam generator tubes and headers
- Heat exchanger assemblies
- Feedwater system components
- Secondary cooling equipment
Safety Systems
- Emergency core cooling components
- Containment system hardware
- Safety injection equipment
- Reactor protection systems
Instrumentation
- In-core monitoring devices
- Process sensors and detectors
- Control system hardware
- Radiation monitoring equipment
Waste Systems
- Spent fuel handling equipment
- Radioactive waste processing systems
- Decontamination tools and equipment
- Storage and transport containers
Compound Metal Coatings Inc.
Enhance your nuclear operations with our expertly-crafted, high-performance coatings and experience the difference today!