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DOE OSTI2025

Molten Salt Corrosion Tests of Additively Manufactured Stainless Steel 316H

Molten salt reactors (MSRs) have drawn considerable interest due to their favorable safety features, high thermal efficiency, and compatibility with different fuel cycles. Yet, the success of MSRs hinges critically on the performance of structural materials to be used in these aggressive molten salt environments, where corrosion and material compatibility remain primary challenges to long-term reliability. Additively manufactured (AM) nuclear structural materials prompt the use of novel geometries and compositions to enhance material performance and reduce costs of constructing MSRs. The rapid solidification conditions inherent to AM processing impart distinctive microstructural features, including cellular sub-structures, dislocation densities, residual stress, and oxide inclusions, which can influence material performance in MSR components. While the mechanical properties of AM stainless steels have been widely studied, their corrosion behavior, particularly in molten salt environments, has received far less attention. Addressing these needs, the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies (AMMT) program provides a framework for systematically evaluating how unique microstructures produced by AM processes influence the performance of these materials in these demanding environments and for developing reproducible testing workflows that can support future code qualification efforts and standards development. Bridging this knowledge gap is essential for assessing the viability of AM alloys in MSRs and informing qualification strategies. A further challenge is the absence of standardized protocols for molten salt corrosion testing. Accordingly, this report provides an account of the corrosion evaluation of AM 316H stainless steel in NaCl 2 -MgCl 2 molten salt at 550 °C, with exposure times of 100 and 500 hours. It documents the experimental procedures implemented under the AMMT program, including salt preparation, exposure protocols, and post-test characterization methods, to establish reproducibility and transparency. Importantly, the study examines AM 316H samples in the as-fabricated condition, directly reflecting the surface state most relevant to engineering applications, and compares their behavior to machine-cut surfaces. Overall, preliminary evaluations have noted that surface conditions (e.g. morphology, contamination, etc.) have a noticeable impact on the corrosion resiliency. The impact of the corrosion is difficult to detect at 100h, unless, in the case of AM 316H, the specimen surface is decontaminated. After 500 h, as-fabricated surfaces of AM and wrought 316H display evidence of general versus preferential corrosion attack, respectively. Both AM and wrought 316H machine-cut surfaces exhibit a continuous Cr depletion zone, evident of general corrosion. While the estimated extent of corrosion appears within the same order of magnitude regardless of the surface condition, it is apparent that more predictable behavior is observed on machine-cut surfaces. Nonetheless, further investigation is necessary to fully elucidate the corrosion mechanism under these conditions.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2019

Corrosion Behavior of Ta-10W Coatings on CP-Ti and TC4 Substrates

The corrosion resistance of commercial purity titanium (CP-Ti) and Ti-6Al-4V (TC4) alloys coated with Ta-10W via multi-arc ion plating is investigated. The coating with uniform thickness exhibited silvery, dense, and continuous surface without apparent defects. The interface between the Ta-10W coating and substrate was dense with light elemental diffusion. The coating x-ray diffraction profile was body-centered cubic, α-Ta. The corrosion current density of the coated samples was reduced by one order of magnitude in 3.5% HCl solution, compared to that of the substrates. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the Ta-10W coating improved the substrate metal corrosion resistance by slowing down the corrosion tendency and rate, increasing the charge transfer resistance and dielectric property of the double layer. Electrochemical corrosion testing showed that the Ta-10W coating improved the substrates’ corrosion resistances. After immersion in 5% HCl solution for 168 h, the uncoated substrates exhibited severe corrosion, whereas the CP-Ti and TC4 substrates coated by Ta-10W were still intact and dense. Point scanning of the immersed corrosion demonstrated that the Ta-10W coating reduced the relative oxygen content from 5.17 to 0.78% of the TC4. These results indicated that the Ta-10W coating was efficient in protecting the CP-Ti and TC4 from corrosion.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2019

Radiation Induced Corrosion of Copper in Deep Geological Repositories - 19493

This paper presents an overview of the Cu corrosion research being conducted by the Radiation Assisted Materials Performance Science (RAMPS) group at Western University, in collaboration with the Canadian Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) and Canada Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). This paper presents an overview of our research in three areas to develop a high-fidelity copper corrosion model. Copper is an important candidate material for corrosion protection of used nuclear fuel containers (UFC). The UFC and its environment will be exposed to a continuous flux of γ-radiation. The three areas are chemical kinetics of γ-radiolysis of humid air and groundwater, the effects of solution parameters on Cu corrosion dynamics without γ-radiation and the effects of γ-radiation on Cu corrosion dynamics. These studies show that because of the strong feedback loops between processes occurring during copper corrosion, the overall corrosion mechanism may not follow linear dynamics. Presented here are our key findings, their implications for corrosion science in general, and the potential implications of these results for predictions of the adequacy of a UFC copper corrosion allowance. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

DOE OSTI2017

Influence of MAO Treatment on the Galvanic Corrosion Between Aluminum Alloy and 316L Steel

To slow down the galvanic corrosion of aluminum alloy and 316L stainless steel in subsea water, a micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coating was prepared on the surface of the Al alloy, and no treatment was performed on the surface of the 316L. The surface morphology of MAO-coated Al alloy was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) before and after corrosion. A micro-hardness tester was used to measure the micro-hardness. Corrosion behaviors were evaluated by open-circuit potential (OCP), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrode impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests in a 3.5 g/L NaCl solution. The results of PDP testing show that the corrosion potential of the MAO-coated galvanic pair was more positive than that of the uncoated galvanic pair and that the corrosion current density was smaller than that of the uncoated galvanic pair. EIS results show that the impedance of the galvanic pair increased after MAO coating. SEM images show that the corrosion damage of the uncoated Al alloy was more severe than that of the MAO-coated one, and the post-corrosion images of the surface of the 316L connected with MAO-coated Al alloy were more compact than those of the 316L connected with uncoated Al alloy. A physical model was developed to discuss the influence of MAO treatment on the galvanic corrosion process and corrosion mechanism.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2018

Prediction and Computation of Corrosion Rates of A36 Mild Steel in Oilfield Seawater

The parameters which primarily control the corrosion rate and life of steel structures are several and they vary across the different ocean and seawater as well as along the depth. While the effect of single parameter on corrosion behavior is known, the conjoint effects of multiple parameters and the interrelationship among the variables are complex. Millions sets of experiments are required to understand the mechanism of corrosion failure. Statistical modeling such as ANN is one solution that can reduce the number of experimentation. ANN model was developed using 170 sets of experimental data of A35 mild steel in simulated seawater, varying the corrosion influencing parameters SO{sub 4}{sup 2−}, Cl{sup −}, HCO{sub 3}{sup −},CO{sub 3}{sup 2−}, CO{sub 2}, O{sub 2}, pH and temperature as input and the corrosion current as output. About 60% of experimental data were used to train the model, 20% for testing and 20% for validation. The model was developed by programming in Matlab. 80% of the validated data could predict the corrosion rate correctly. Corrosion rates predicted by the ANN model are displayed in 3D graphics which show many interesting phenomenon of the conjoint effects of multiple variables that might throw new ideas of mitigation of corrosion by simply modifying the chemistry of the constituents. The model could predict the corrosion rates of some real systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2018

Corrosion Behavior of Q235 Steel Exposed in Deepwater of South China Sea

For the first time, the corrosion behavior of Q235 steel in 1200, 2000 and 3000 m deepwater of South China Sea for 0.5 year was reported in this study. The corrosion morphology and corrosion products properties were investigated using different techniques, such as 3D optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffraction analyzer and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The main environmental factors influencing the corrosion rate of Q235 in deep sea were discussed by applying gray relational analysis. The results indicated that uniform thinning occurred after exposure. A large number of tiny pits were distributed under the corrosion products with a two-layer structure. The corrosion rate and average pitting depth of samples exposed at 2000 m were lower than those exposed at 1200 and 3000 m, and the main environmental factors determining the variation of corrosion rate at different depths were temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration. Hydrostatic pressure had slight effect on the corrosion rate of Q235 steel, but promoted the formation of a more uniform corrosion morphology.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Incorporating corrosion design constraints in desalination process optimization: A case study in mechanical vapor compression

Corrosion is an expensive and complex challenge for desalination, yet current design approaches do not explicitly account for corrosion mechanisms in process modeling and technoeconomic analysis. Here, to address this gap, we present a workflow for incorporating corrosion design constraints directly into desalination process optimization models. We develop surrogate models for general and localized corrosion metrics as functions of temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and material using data from OLI Systems’ Corrosion Analyzer. We then integrate these surrogates as corrosion design constraints in a cost-optimization MVC model that minimizes the levelized cost of water (LCOW). For a case study of mechanical vapor compression (MVC) treating seawater across a range of recoveries, we find dissolved oxygen (DO) is the dominant driver of localized corrosion, and thus of cost-optimal material choice and operating conditions. Reducing the DO from 8 mg/L to 0.5 mg/L reduces the LCOW by 15-35%, informing the breakeven costs for implementing DO removal or selecting highly corrosion-resistant alloys. This framework is broadly applicable across corrosion types, materials, and components and enables desalination process design that minimizes capital costs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2023

Galvanic corrosion of AZ31B joined to dual-phase steel with and without Zn layer by ultrasonic and friction stir welding

Galvanic corrosion of AZ31B joined with bare or Zn-coated DP590 steel by ultrasonic spot welding or linear friction stir welding was quantitatively studied by pre-defining anode and cathode in the lap joint samples. Corrosion volume and depth from Mg anode surfaces exposed to 0.1 M sodium chloride solution was analyzed as functions of cathode surface type and welding method. Characterization of as-welded joints was performed to identify any microstructural feature of the bonding zone that could impact galvanic corrosion behavior. COMSOL modeling with modified user subroutine was conducted to simulate the progression of Mg corrosion in the same joint and electrode configurations used for the corrosion experiments. The experimental results indicated that Zn-coated cathode surface can reduce Mg galvanic corrosion significantly as galvanic polarization and cathodic current on Zn-coated surface remained relatively low for Mg in the weld joints. COMSOL modeling described the growth of Mg galvanic corrosion in a reasonable manner but showed limitation by underestimating the corrosion volume as it did not capture self-corrosion.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2023

Machine-to-machine variability of roughness and corrosion in additively manufactured 316L stainless steel

Numerous studies on the corrosion response of metal AM have been conducted. Nonetheless, the specimens being tested are commonly ground or polished to remove the outer as-built surface. If metal AM is truly going to be employed as a transformative technology that can produce complex shapes that do not require traditional machining, then the material needs to be evaluated in the as-built state. The reality is that AM alloys have shown significant inconsistencies regarding as-built surface texture, topology, and residual stress. One metric that has shown significant unpredictability in the literature is the susceptibility to localized corrosion of typically passive alloys, such as stainless steel (SS). There are a large number of studies that have attempted to understand the corrosion response of metal AM materials, but these studies are typically performed on materials that have been printed on a single machine and often mechanically polished to a smooth finish. This study compares the corrosion response of as-built AM, laser-beam powder bed fusion (LB-PBF), 316L SS parts that have been fabricated on five different machines. The majority of this work focused on understanding the susceptibility to localized corrosion of AM metals with respect to machine-dependent variables, namely surface roughness, and build angle. Surface roughness data was collected using scanning white light triangulation, laser scanning confocal microscopy, and coherence scanning interferometry. The results show that there is significant variability (p two-tail < 0.05) in the susceptibility to local corrosion initiation of LB-PBF 316L SS samples built on different machines. Surface oxides were probed with electron dispersive spectroscopy and revealed that variations in local corrosion susceptibility likely arise from differences in the stability of the passive film caused by chemical segregation, unique microstructure, and tortuous roughness features at the as-built surfaces. The variability of roughness and corrosion properties from test samples printed on different machines was corroborated by property measurements performed at five different testing sites, proving reproducibility of the data. Most importantly, this study shows that if the as-built surface layer is removed through grinding or electropolishing the machine-to-machine variation observed in the corrosion susceptibility is reduced.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2022

An electrochemical mesoscale tool for modeling the corrosion of structural alloys by molten salt

Understanding the impact of microstructure on corrosion rates can aid the development of corrosion-resistant alloys for molten salt reactors. Here in this work, we develop an electrochemical phase-field model for capturing the microstructure-dependent corrosion of structural alloys by molten salts. As a demonstration problem, we apply this model to capture the selective depletion of Cr from Ni-Cr grain boundaries during corrosion in molten FLiBe salt. We perform sensitivity analysis and model verification on 1D simulations to confirm that the model predicts diffusion-limited kinetics. The model is validated using 1D, 2D, and 3D simulations against experimental data for Ni-5Cr and Ni-20Cr corrosion in molten FLiBe. The 1D simulations predict the corrosion behavior with reasonable accuracy when using an effective diffusion coefficient that accurately represents the grain boundary diffusion. 2D simulations that represent the grain structure underpredict the corrosion. 3D simulations that represent the grain structure predict the corrosion with reasonable accuracy. The corrosion rate predicted by the 3D simulations is proportional to the average grain size at the alloy/salt interface.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2023

Investigating electrochemical corrosion at Mg alloy-steel joint interface using scanning electrochemical cell impedance microscopy (SECCIM)

Developing strategies to prevent corrosion at the interface of dissimilar metal alloys is challenging because of the presence of heterogenous distribution of galvanic couples and microstructural features that significantly change the corrosion rate. Devising strategies to mitigate this interfacial corrosion requires quantitative and correlative understanding of its surface electrochemical reaction. In this work, scanning electrochemical cell impedance microscopy (SECCIM) was employed to study location-specific corrosion in the interfacial region of dissimilar alloys, such as AZ31 (magnesium alloy) and DP590 (steel) welded using the Friction-stir Assisted Scribe Technique (FAST) processes. Herein, SECCM and SECCIM were used to perform correlative mapping of the local electrochemical impedance spectroscopic and potentiodynamic polarization to measure the effect of electronic and microstructural changes in the welded interfacial region on corrosion kinetics. Microstructural characterization including scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction was performed to correlate changes in microstructural features and chemistry with the corresponding electronic properties that affect corrosion behavior. The variations in corrosion potential, corrosion current density, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy behavior across the interface provide deeper insights on the interfacial region—which is chemically and microstructurally distinct from both bare AZ31 and DP590 that can help prevent corrosion in dissimilar metal structures.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2026

Alkali Vapor Corrosion of Spinel (MgAl 2 O 4 ) and Gahnite (ZnAl 2 O 4 ) Refractories—A Comparative Study

Alkali vapor corrosion is critical for refractories used in the kilns and furnaces of diverse high-temperature processing and manufacturing sectors such as gasifiers, cement production, and glass making. Gahnite (ZnAl 2 O 4 ) is being investigated as a potential chrome-free refractory because of its similarity with the structure and properties of magnesium aluminate (MgAl 2 O 4 ) spinel. The alkali vapor corrosion of ZnAl 2 O 4 , MgAl 2 O 4 , and Mg 0.5 Zn 0.5 Al 2 O 4 was studied, according to ASTM C987-10, at 1371°C for 24 h using sodium carbonate (Na 2 CO 3 ). The surface and the polished cross-sections of the corroded ZnAl 2 O 4 , MgAl 2 O 4 , and Mg 0.5 Zn 0.5 Al 2 O 4 specimens were analyzed using x-ray diffraction (XRD), microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. MgO in MgAl 2 O 4 , ZnO in ZnAl 2 O 4 , Mg 0.77 Zn 0.23 O, and NaAlO 2 were detected as the corrosion products for these specimens. The extent of corrosion substantially varied among the specimens despite the similarity in the corrosion products. The corrosion resistance increased in the following order: Mg 0.5 Zn 0.5 Al 2 O 4 > MgAl 2 O 4 > ZnAl 2 O 4 . The formation of a dense MgO and Mg 0.77 Zn 0.23 O layer for MgAl 2 O 4 and Mg 0.5 Zn 0.5 Al 2 O 4 , respectively, contributed to their superior resistance to alkali vapor corrosion. The underlying corrosion mechanisms are discussed based on experimental observations supported by thermodynamic analysis. Additionally, the results suggest that a partial Zn 2+ substitution for Mg 2+ in MgAl 2 O 4 can enhance the resistance to alkali vapor corrosion.

alkali corrosion↗

DOE OSTI2012

Corrosion Evaluation of RERTR Uranium Molybdenum Fuel

As part of the National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA) mandate to replace the use of highly enriched uranium (HEU) fuel for low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel, research into the development of LEU fuel for research reactors has been active since the late 1970’s. Originally referred to as the Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactor (RERTR) program the new effort named Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI) is nearing the goal of replacing the standard aluminum clad dispersion highly enriched uranium aluminide fuel with a new LEU fuel. The five domestic high performance research reactors undergoing this conversion are High Flux Isotope reactor (HFIR), Advanced Test Reactor (ATR), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Reactor, Missouri University Research Reactor (MURR) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor II (MITR-II). The design of these reactors requires a higher neutron flux than other international research reactors, which to this point has posed unique challenges in the design and development of the new mandated LEU fuel. The new design utilizes a monolithic fuel configuration in order to obtain sufficient 235U within the LEU stoichoimetry to maintain the fission reaction within the domestic test reactors. The change from uranium aluminide dispersion fuel type to uranium molybdenum (UMo) monolithic configuration requires examination of possible corrosion issues associated with the new fuel meat. A focused analysis of the UMo fuel under potential corrosion conditions, within the ATR and under aqueous storage indicates a slow and predictable corrosion rate. Additional corrosion testing is recommended for the highest burn-up fuels to confirm observed corrosion rate trends. This corrosion analysis will focus only on the UMo fuel and will address corrosion of ancillary components such as cladding only in terms of how it affects the fuel. The calculations and corrosion scenarios are weighted with a conservative bias to provide additional confidence with the results. The actual corrosion rates of UMo fuel is very likely to be lower than assumed within this report which can be confirmed with additional testing.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Mitigation of Molten Salt Corrosion

The desire to increase the peak operational temperature of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants to lower the levelized cost of CSP-derived electricity, has led to consideration of an earth-abundant, low-cost, thermally-stable, molten MgCl 2 -KCl-NaCl (40-40-20 mole%) salt for high-temperature thermal energy storage and heat transfer. The reliable, long-term containment of such a molten salt is challenging, however, due to the corrosion of cost-effective, high-temperature structural metal alloys in this salt (particularly if this salt is contaminated with oxygen-bearing species). This project has been focused on: i) development of equipment for evaluating corrosion kinetics in molten chlorides under well-controlled thermal, fluid dynamic, and atmospheric conditions at CSP-relevant temperatures, ii) use of such equipment to evaluate the influence of forced convection on corrosion kinetics (to determine the role of liquid phase diffusion on such corrosion), and iii) identifying a corrosion-mitigation strategy that can be industrially applied to achieve a projected annual corrosion ≤30 μm at CSP-relevant temperatures. The overall goals of this project have been: i) to understand the rate-limiting step(s) and associated kinetic laws governing corrosion in molten chlorides at 750°C, ii) to determine key operational parameters affecting the corrosion kinetics in molten salts, and iii) to demonstrate the tailoring of such parameters to appreciably reduce such corrosion.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2019

Corrosion Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring of Oil and Natural Gas Infrastructure: A Review

Corrosion has been a great concern in the oil and natural gas industry costing billions of dollars annually in the U.S. The ability to monitor corrosion online before structural integrity is compromised can have a significant impact on preventing catastrophic events resulting from corrosion. This article critically reviews conventional corrosion sensors and emerging sensor technologies in terms of sensing principles, sensor designs, advantages, and limitations. Conventional corrosion sensors encompass corrosion coupons, electrical resistance probes, electrochemical sensors, ultrasonic testing sensors, magnetic flux leakage sensors, electromagnetic sensors, and in-line inspection tools. Emerging sensor technologies highlight optical fiber sensors (point, quasi-distributed, distributed) and passive wireless sensors such as passive radio-frequency identification sensors and surface acoustic wave sensors. Emerging sensors show great potential in continuous real-time in-situ monitoring of oil and natural gas infrastructure. Distributed chemical sensing is emphasized based on recent studies as a promising method to detect early corrosion onset and monitor corrosive environments for corrosion mitigation management. Additionally, challenges are discussed including durability and stability in extreme and harsh conditions such as high temperature high pressure in subsurface wellbores.

passive RFID sensors↗

DOE OSTI2023

Corrosion Resistance of 309L Stainless Steel Claddings on Carbon Steel Produced with Wire-Fed Directed Energy Deposition

Additive manufacturing (AM) tools are capable of applying overlay austenitic stainless steel (SS) claddings to carbon steel components. The benefits of this approach over arc welding include a smaller heat-affected zone, residual stress reduction, and material savings. In particular, wire-directed energy deposition is a suitable technique because of its low material cost and high rate of production compared to other AM methods. However, metallurgical variations in composition, phase fraction, and microsegregation can potentially influence the corrosion behavior of such claddings. In this work, 309L SS is clad on carbon steel substrates and electrochemical methods are used to measure their general and pitting corrosion resistance in simulated marine environments (3.5 wt% NaCl solutions). Two-layer claddings are fabricated with four laser powers to understand the effects of bulk chemical composition, austenite/δ-ferrite phase fractions, and individual phase compositions on corrosion behavior. The two-layer claddings are compared to a single-layer cladding, wrought 304 SS, and the carbon steel substrate for a comprehensive assessment of corrosion performance. The two-layer claddings are remarkably resistant to general corrosion in the 3.5 wt% NaCl environment because of their high Cr content (21.6 wt% to 23.3 wt% Cr). The single-layer cladding exhibits localized corrosion at unmixed Fe-rich peninsulas that originate at the dissimilar metal boundary and protrude into the first cladding layer. All two-layer claddings possess higher pitting corrosion resistance than wrought 304 SS, demonstrating their effectiveness as a corrosion-resistant barrier. Here, the pitting corrosion resistance is superior for claddings made with lower laser powers, due to low dilution and greater δ-ferrite contents.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2013

LABORATORY TESTING TO SIMULATE VAPOR SPACE CORROSION IN RADIOACTIVE WASTE STORAGE TANKS

Radioactive liquid waste has been stored in underground carbon steel tanks for nearly 70 years at the Hanford nuclear facility. Vapor space corrosion of the tank walls has emerged as an ongoing challenge to overcome in maintaining the structural integrity of these tanks. The interaction between corrosive and inhibitor species in condensates/supernates on the tank wall above the liquid level, and their interaction with vapor phase constituents as the liquid evaporates from the tank wall influences the formation of corrosion products and the corrosion of the carbon steel. An effort is underway to gain an understanding of the mechanism of vapor space corrosion. Localized corrosion, in the form of pitting, is of particular interest in the vapor space. CPP testing was utilized to determine the susceptibility of the steel in a simulated vapor space environment. The tests also investigated the impact of ammonia gas in the vapor space area on the corrosion of the steel. Vapor space coupon tests were also performed to investigate the evolution of the corrosion products during longer term exposures. These tests were also conducted at vapor space ammonia levels of 50 and 550 ppm NH{sub 3} (0.005, and 0.055 vol.%) in air. Ammonia was shown to mitigate vapor space corrosion.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

DOE OSTI2016

Corrosion Kinetics of Stainless Steel by Hydrogen Measurement under Deep Geological Repository Condition - 16047

Spent fuel assemblies consisting of stainless steels are expected to be disposed of in a deep underground repository. The radionuclides release and gas generation from activated metallic wastes in a disposal system will be controlled by the corrosion reaction. Most studies on stainless steel corrosion have been investigated under corrosion rates around several μm.a{sup -1}. A recent study has revealed that the corrosion rate of stainless steel is extremely slow-less than nm.a{sup -1} at 303 K. In the present study, corrosion kinetics at different temperatures up to 353 K were evaluated from the oxidation reaction by hydrogen gas measurement using 18Cr-8Ni austenitic stainless steel in a deoxygenated glass ampoule filled with a dilute NaOH solution of pH 12.5 for 24 months. Uniform corrosion and a reaction of 3Fe + 4H{sub 2}O → Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} + 4H{sub 2} were assumed. After 24 months, the corrosion rates, which decreased with time but increased with rising temperature, were on average 7.80 x 10{sup -4}, 2.65 x 10{sup -3}, and 7.62 x 10{sup -3} μm.a{sup -1} at 303 K, 323 K, and 353 K, respectively. The corrosion kinetics were found to follow a parabolic rate law, which suggests the corrosion process is under diffusion control. The activation energy evaluated by the Arrhenius relationship of the parabolic rate constants has been determined to be 82.5 ± 6.2 kJ/mol, which corresponds to the values at high temperatures down to 423 K. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗