Masters Theses
Date of Award
8-2014
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Major
Materials Science and Engineering
Major Professor
George M. Pharr
Committee Members
Thomas R. Watkins, Theodore M. Besmann
Abstract
The United States Global Threat Reeducation Initiative (GTRI) is promoting the production of molybdenum-99 without the use of uranium-235. One possible route, called neutron capture technology, is through the activation of molybdenum-98 via irradiation. GE-Hitachi has identified a location within their boiling water reactors for molybdenum-98 irradiation, but the elevated temperatures present risk oxidizing the molybdenum. This work explored using a silicon coating to protect the molybdenum from oxidation. With silane gas as the precursor, chemical vapor deposition was employed to produce the silicon coating. Characterization was performed and showed a discrete silicon layer was deposited with little to no inter-diffusion occurring between the coating and the substrate. Oxidation performance was evaluated, and excellent results were observed with the silicon coated specimen having weight gain 3 orders of magnitude less than that of the bare molybdenum.
Recommended Citation
Jolly, Brian C., "Low Temperature Thermally Activated CVD of Silicon on Molybdenum for Oxidation Protection. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2014.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/2823