Novel explosive welded corrosion resistant clad materials for geothermal plants - ExploGuard

Project summary

ExploGuard will develop cladded materials for geothermal industry. Original and innovative concept of using for the benefit of high corrosion resistance the immanent to explosive welding (EW) melted zones as barrier for hydrogen will be implemented. This will be achieved by careful selection of substrates, tailoring EW parameters and post-EW metal forming and heat treatment. The EW clads are combinations of nanomaterials, non-equilibrium material compounds and/or multilayers with exceptional properties. Fatigue tests of steels commonly used in Icelandic geothermal plants (GPs) have shown that the reduced life of components is due to stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement. ExploGuard clads would extend the service life of GPs and reduce the need for expensive corrosion resistant bulk materials. The project will build a competitive advantage for European-owned explosive welding company and strengthen outstanding Europe’s position in surface and coating technology.