Laura Sanna

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PhD thesis title: Advanced characterization of protective coatings for liquid metal cooled nuclear reactors

Academic Tutor: David Dellasega

Academic Supervisor: Valeria Russo and Matteo Passoni

Industrial supervisor: Davide Loiacono

Affiliate external company or research group: newcleo SpA

PhD cycle: 40° (see all student profiles of the same cycle > LINK)

BSc: Engineering Physics, Politecnico di Milano
MSc: Nuclear Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
Visiting Scientist at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (Petten, the Netherlands) - Focus on nanoindentation and TEM for the characterization of protective coatings for nuclear applications.
Nuclear Energy Agency NEST Fellow of the year (2025)
PoliMi–Enel Foundation Award for Master Thesis Excellence (2025)

Thesis abstract

My PhD research focuses on the advanced characterization of metallic and ceramic protective coatings for liquid metal cooled nuclear reactors, with particular attention to Lead-cooled Fast Reactors (LFRs). I investigate their morphological, structural, mechanical, and chemical properties to understand degradation and corrosion mechanisms in liquid lead environments. Through advanced characterization techniques and experimental campaigns, I study strategies to improve coating reliability, material durability, and reactor safety.

Personal interest in my research theme

I am motivated by the challenge of developing materials capable of withstanding extreme environments and contributing to safer, more sustainable nuclear energy systems. I am particularly interested in understanding how materials degrade under harsh conditions and how advanced characterization can reveal mechanisms to improve their performance. What drives me most is the opportunity to combine fundamental research with practical applications for next-generation reactors.

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