The Effect of Microstructural Changes in Nickel-Based Alloys on Their Corrosion Resistance in Molten Halides: A Consideration of Prospective Structural Materials for Molten Salt Reactors
Source abstract
Abstract
Corrosion of nickel alloys in molten salts is a complex process dependent on many factors. The paper describes the influence of microstructural changes in several nickel-based alloys (Hastelloy® G-35®, VDM® Alloy 59, KhN62M-VI, Hastelloy® B-3®) on the mechanism of their corrosion in molten fluoride salts. The corrosion experiments were performed in LiF–NaF–KF and (LiF–NaF–KF) + UF4 melts at 550–750 °C. Formation of excess secondary phases along the grain boundaries of the alloys led to heterogeneity of the alloy microstructure. As a result of these changes, microgalvanic couples formed on the surface of the alloys, leading to the development of intergranular corrosion upon contact with molten electrolytes. Secondary phases acted as microanodes or microcathodes depending on a number of factors. Formation and composition of the secondary phases affected the depth and extent of the corrosion damage to nickel alloys.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Molten salt chemistry and electrochemical processes · Metallurgical Processes and Thermodynamics · Nuclear materials and radiation effects
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Rare Metals and Nanomaterials, Ural Federal University, 620062 Ekaterinburg, Russia
Department of Physical and Chemical Methods of Analysis, Ural Federal University, 620062 Ekaterinburg, Russia
Funding
Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation
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