Electrochemical corrosion of a multiphase alloy/oxide composite nuclear waste form

Abstract Long-term corrosion rates of waste forms must be predicted for the range of environmental conditions that could occur during geologic disposal. Several standard electrochemical methods and microscopy were applied to a multiphase alloy/oxide composite material to study the effects of multiple phases on test responses. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed application of those methods altered the electrical properties of the stabilized surfaces and the corrosion rates. Those methods provide qualitative indications of the corrosion behavior, but alternative methods that do not disturb the surface properties are required to reliably quantify the corrosion rates of multiphase waste forms for long-term disposal assessments.