Research progress on the preparation of irradiation-resistant coating based on PVD technology

Nuclear energy is essential for the future development of countries. However, both structural and functional components of nuclear power equipment are facing severe challenges of nuclear irradiation damage after experiencing irradiation growth and irradiation creep. How to avoid irradiation damage to nuclear power equipment has become a hotspot in the international research and development of surface protection technology. Deposition of protective coatings on the underlying object surface or bulk materials has been considered as a near-term solution of enhanced functional components. Different substrate materials are selected according to other service conditions within the reactor. Suitable material selection combined with relevant optimization can significantly increase the service life of materials. This review summarizes recent research on several categories of anti-irradiation coatings prepared by physical vapor deposition technology for current industrial applications. These includes metallic, ceramic, composite and high entropy alloy coatings. The review endeavors to impart a thorough understanding of the properties of these selected anti-irradiation coatings, from the fundamental aspects of their substrate materials to their practical applications across diverse settings. It explores not only the current research progress but also the potential avenues for future advancements. Additionally, the intricate relationships between coating formulations, their resistance to irradiation, and their ultimate performance in various environments are illuminated in this paper.