Papers by Author: Stuart B. Lyon

Abstract: There are approximately 45,000 Intermediate Level Nuclear Waste (ILW) containers currently stored in the UK at Sellafield and elsewhere. These stainless steels containers should last up to 150 years of surface storage. In this study the general structural integrity of 500L ILW containers were investigated. The associated degradation issue under ambient conditions known as atmospheric-induced stress corrosion cracking (AISCC) has been studied. Preliminary investigation included profiling of residual stress distribution in parent and weld specimens, atmospheric exposure testing under various salts. So far residual stress profile shows high degree of complexity. No cracks have been observed until this moment in time.

Abstract: A study was conducted on the effects of surface pre-treatment with 3- aminopropyltriethoxysilane (3-APS) on the water absorption and adhesion behaviour of two commercial alkyd and epoxy polyamide organic coatings on mild steel and glass substrates. The results indicated that using 3-APS as surface pre-treatment prior to coating resulted in a significant reduction of total water absorption for alkyd on both mild steel and glass substrate. Subsequently ile adhesion of alkyd is enhanced on both pre-treated mild steel and glass substrate. However 3-APS pre-treatment of mild steel increases water absorption of epoxy and lowers its adhesion strength. While 3-APS pre-treatment of glass reduces water absorption of epoxy and subsequently enhances the overall wet adhesion. These data are consistent with the known adsorption behaviour of 3-APS to steel, i.e. as an easily hydrolysed hydrogen-bond to the amine group, rather than as the more stable metal-oxide-silicon bond.