Davide Loiacono
PhD thesis title: Development and characterization of protective coatings resistant to irradiation
Academic Tutor: Lelio Luzzi
Academic Supervisor: Mario Beghi and Fabio Di Fonzo
PhD cycle: 35° (see all student profiles of the same cycle > LINK)
BSc: Materials Engineering and Nanotechnology, Politecnico di Milano
MSc: Nuclear Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
Visiting Research Scientist at Ruđer Bošković Institute (September 2021) - Irradiation campaign on PVD coatings at Laboratory for Ion Beam Interactions of the Experimental Physics Division. / Visiting Research Scientist at Argonne National Laboratory (February 2022) - Awarded the Rapid Turnaround Experiment by the US Department of Energy in the framework of the Nuclear Science User Facilities project. Proposal writing, experiment design, and execution of the irradiation experiment. / Visiting PHD Student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (April 2022 - January 2023) - One of the five students selected by ''Progetto Rocca'' for receiving funds for 12 months of a research stay at MIT. Non-destructive, optical characterization of Alumina coatings employing Transient Grating Spectroscopy. Study of radiation effects and thermomechanical properties evolution. Anti-corrosion coatings for Ternary Molten Salt Mixtures.
Awarded the Rapid Turnaround Experiment by the US Department of Energy in the framework of the Nuclear Science User Facilities project. / One of the five students selected by ''Progetto Rocca'' to receive funds for twelve months of a research stay at MIT.
Thesis abstract
This Ph.D. was a step forward in developing radiation-tolerant nanoceramic anti-corrosion coatings for Lead-cooled Fast Reactors (LFR). In detail, the aim is to reach a deeper understanding of the basic science mechanisms governing aluminum oxide amorphous coating (a-Al2O3) produced by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD), manufactured with an optimized recipe at the Center for Nano Science and Technology (CNST) at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT).
To assemble a complete picture of the PLD alumina behavior in rector-like conditions, in this Ph.D. the activities were focused on two different routes:
To assemble a complete picture of the PLD alumina behavior in rector-like conditions, in this Ph.D. the activities were focused on two different routes:
• Heavy ion irradiation, as suitable for emulating materials’ microstructures and evolution properties under neutron irradiation.
• Thermo-mechanical characterization.
Personal interest in my research theme
When I started facing issues related to climate change and energy production, I realized how mainly two things could stop the development of nuclear energy: people and material failure.
Indeed, on the one hand, many times, people’s unawareness about nuclear technology and political choices slowed down technology development. On the other hand, it is undeniable that the further the development of nuclear reactors proceeds, the more materials become subject to a more harsh environment. This is even more true for the Molten Salt Reactor.
Because our modern world cannot get rid of nuclear energy if the aim is to decarbonize energy production and guarantee an adequate energy level for the whole world population, I wanted to contribute to developing reliable and safer nuclear energy production.
However, possessing a few skills as a politician, I decided to make a difference, starting working with the material for nuclear applications.
Indeed, on the one hand, many times, people’s unawareness about nuclear technology and political choices slowed down technology development. On the other hand, it is undeniable that the further the development of nuclear reactors proceeds, the more materials become subject to a more harsh environment. This is even more true for the Molten Salt Reactor.
Because our modern world cannot get rid of nuclear energy if the aim is to decarbonize energy production and guarantee an adequate energy level for the whole world population, I wanted to contribute to developing reliable and safer nuclear energy production.
However, possessing a few skills as a politician, I decided to make a difference, starting working with the material for nuclear applications.
