Fundamental and Applied Experimental Investigations of Corrosion of Steel by LBE under Controlled Conditions: Kinetics, Chemistry Morphology, and Surface Preparation

This effort is a continuation of the work of Task 3 (see pages 10 and 11), and the same overview applies. Advanced nuclear processes such as the transmutation of nuclear waste, fast reactors, liquid-metal-cooled reactors, and spallation neutron sources require advanced materials systems to contain them. The required structural materials must be stable in the presence of nonmoderating coolants. A prime candidate for such a coolant is Lead Bismuth Eutectic (LBE). Materials in these systems must be able to tolerate high neutron fluxes, high temperatures, and chemical corrosion. Unfortunately, LBE corrodes stainless steel.