Entwicklung und Charakterisierung von Aluminiumlegierungen für Metallmatrix-Verbundwerkstoffe unter den spezifischen Anforderungen der nachhaltigen Energieindustrie

This master`s thesis aimed to design suitable aluminium alloys for metal-matrix composites (MMC) as neutron absorber materials with structural integrity under high loads in dry cask storages for spent highly radioactive fuel materials. These MMC-materials are challenging the established boronized stainless steel sheets, to which they show superior characteristics in terms of thermal conductivity, higher possible content of boron and also lower density. An essential part of this thesis was the literature screening, which aimed to preselect suitable Aluminium matrix alloys. In the course of the project, the preselection of alloys was evaluated in small-scale laboratory tests, using a special test methodology to simulate realistic thermal operating conditions. These tests should have led to further selection of suitable alloys for large-scale industrial tests. However, the laboratory tests showed, that even the most promising alloys could not reach the minimum requirements under the simulated test conditions. Furthermore, it is questionable that there is even a commercial available aluminium matrix alloy that could fully fulfill these requirements.