Work

The precipitation of Ni₃Al reducing the corrosion resistance of alumina-forming austenitic (AFA) steels exposed to 600 °C lead‑bismuth eutectic (LBE) with 10−8 wt% oxygen

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated the corrosion behavior of two AFA steels (Fe-24Ni-15Cr wt%) with 3Al and 4Al, exposed LBE containing 10 −8 wt% oxygen at 600 °C. Unexpectedly, the 4Al steel exhibited much more severe corrosion than the 3Al steel. To explore the anomalous relationship between Al content and corrosion resistance, validation experiments were conducted using advanced high-resolution characterization techniques. The higher Al concentration in the 4Al steel promotes the early precipitation of Ni 3 Al. These Ni 3 Al nanoprecipitates undergo in-situ internal oxidation, forming alumina nanoparticles that inhibit the formation of external protective alumina scales and thereby result in extensive dissolution attack.

Source: Materials Characterization

DOI: 10.1016/j.matchar.2025.115208

Authors: Decang Zhang, Xiaoxin Zhang, Xian Zeng, Fanao Meng, Chenxi Zhu, Qingzhi Yan

Institutions: University of Science and Technology Beijing, China Nuclear Power Technology Research Institute (China)

Language: English

Topic: Nuclear Materials and Properties

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,320

Funders: Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China