A review of the application of temporary and permanent coatings for the reduction of activity hold-up and increased ease of decontamination

Several surface finishing and coating techniques used in nuclear and industrial applications have been identified and their potential for reducing the hold-up of activity on exposed surfaces in α-active facilities, and easing their subsequent decontamination have been evaluated. The permanent treatment processes considered include electro-polishing, plating and anodizing; shot peening and nitriding; glazing, enamelling and ceramic coating; paints, lacquers and plastic linings. As temporary, replaceable surface protection, strippable coatings, adhesive backed films and chemically removable paints have also been included. An experimental programme is being initiated as the result of this survey to examine the effectiveness of these surface treatments in helping to reduce PuO2 contamination and maximise decontamination effectiveness. (author)