Corrosion behaviors and protective layer stabilization mechanism of 316 stainless steel in NaCl–KCl–NaF reciprocal salts at high temperatures

Abstract

Corrosion tests of 316 stainless steel (316SS) in NaCl–KCl–NaF reciprocal salts were conducted at different temperatures. Results showed that the reciprocal salts had perfect compatibility with 316SS even without special treatment, and a stable Cr–O enriched layer was first observed. The stabilization mechanism of chromium oxides in molten salts was explored, where the low oxoacidity was conducive to from the stable chromium oxides. These findings can provide a new direction for the design and corrosion control of molten salts.