Corrosion of Indian RAFMS in Pb–17Li in a rotating disc corrosion test facility at 773 K

Abstract

A rotating disc type corrosion test facility has been developed to study the compatibility of structural steels in lead–lithium eutectic at selected temperatures and flow velocities. The compatibility of an Indian Reduced Activation Ferritic–Martensitic Steel (IN RAFMS) disc rotating at 360 revolutions per minute (RPM) in Pb–17Li was studied at 773K after an exposure of 3000h. Results indicated that weight loss occurred at a rate of 1.02μg/cm2h for a total duration of 3000h. The corrosion mechanism was governed by dissolution of alloying elements from the sample surface and penetration of Pb–17Li into the IN RAFMS matrix. The microstructure of the parent material got altered up to a depth of 30μm from the exposed surface although effects of Pb–17Li penetration were noted up to 100μm. The depth of Pb–17Li attack increased with increase in linear flow velocities along the radial direction of the IN RAFMS disc.