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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 37 records · Page 2

Effects of surface initial condition on aqueous corrosion of glass-A study with a model nuclear waste glass

Being a nonequilibrium material, the structure of glass varies with the sample history. Thus, the initial surface condition of a glass can vary with the preparation condition and have a large impact on its reactivity. This paper shows that the aqueous corrosion behavior of international simple glass (ISG) varies depending on the initial surface state. The ISG glass samples were prepared as-polished-only and polished-then-annealed and they were immersed in aqueous solution saturated with soluble SiO 2 at 30°C (modeling a mild condition) and at 90°C (modeling a severe condition). Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to obtain coordination numbers of network formers of ISG to assist oxygen speciation calculations. The surface structures of as-prepared and corroded ISG samples were analyzed using various imaging and spectroscopic techniques. Among these analyses, only the oxygen speciation with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed discernable differences between two uncorroded surfaces with different preparation histories; all other methods could not differentiate the surface preparation history before aqueous corrosion. Such minor difference in chemical structures was found to have a profound impact on corrosion behaviors in the mild condition. In the harsh condition, the surface history dependence was not as drastic as the corrosion in the mild condition. The analysis results of the corroded surfaces suggested that the thickness and structure of the alteration layer formed on ISG in aqueous corrosion can vary with the initial surface state.

nuclear, defects, corrosion↗

Effects of Radiation-Induced Defects on Corrosion

The next generation of nuclear reactors will expose materials to conditions that, in some cases, are even more extreme than those in current fission reactors, inevitably leading to new materials science challenges. Radiation-induced damage and corrosion are two key phenomena that must be understood both independently and synergistically, but their interactions are often convoluted. In the light water reactor community, a tremendous amount of work has been done to illuminate irradiation-corrosion effects, and similar efforts are under way for heavy liquid metal and molten salt environments. While certain effects, such as radiolysis and irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking, are reasonably well established, the basic science of how irradiation-induced defects in the base material and the corrosion layer influence the corrosion process still presents many unanswered questions. In this review, we summarize the work that has been done to understand these coupled extremes, highlight the complex nature of this problem, and identify key knowledge gaps.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Self-accelerated corrosion of nuclear waste forms at material interfaces

The US plan for high-level nuclear waste includes the immobilization of long-lived radionuclides in glass or ceramic waste forms in stainless-steel canisters for disposal in deep geological repositories. Here we report that, under simulated repository conditions, corrosion could be significantly accelerated at the interfaces of different barrier materials, which has not been considered in the current safety and performance assessment models. Severe localized corrosion was found at the interfaces between stainless steel and a model nuclear waste glass and between stainless steel and a ceramic waste form. The accelerated corrosion can be attributed to changes of solution chemistry and local acidity/alkalinity within a confined space, which significantly alter the corrosion of both the waste-form materials and the metallic canisters. The corrosion that is accelerated by the interface interaction between dissimilar materials could profoundly impact the service life of the nuclear waste packages, which, therefore, should be carefully considered when evaluating the performance of waste forms and their packages. Moreover, compatible barriers should be selected to further optimize the performance of the geological repository system.

Guo, Xiaolei↗

Accelerating effects of galvanic corrosion and dissimilar materials on the corrosion of 316H in NaCl-MgCl2 salt

Corrosion of materials presents a significant challenge for the long-term operation of molten salt reactors. This study aims to identify the most effective techniques for evaluating the corrosion performance of materials in molten salts, with a focus on the effects of galvanic corrosion and dissimilar materials. A reliable testing methodology for assessing material corrosion in molten chloride salts has been successfully developed. The corrosion of Alloy 316H in molten NaCl-MgCl2 salt was found to be significantly accelerated by galvanic corrosion. Additionally, the presence of dissimilar materials resulted in a slight increase in the corrosion rate of Alloy 316H in NaCl-MgCl2 salt. Microstructural characterization was utilized to understand the corrosion behavior of test samples under different conditions. Common trends observed across samples include chromium depletion and iron enrichment near corroded surfaces. Molybdenum enrichment along grain boundaries and corrosion surfaces was also frequently noted.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Hydro-chemo-mechanical phase field formulation for corrosion induced cracking in reinforced concrete

Steel corrosion induced cracking in reinforced concrete structures is often caused by volumetric straining at the steel-concrete interface. This volumetric strain is mainly controlled by the rate of generation of corrosion product, which depends on the diffusion of Cl{sup −} and dissolved O{sub 2} as well as the chemical reaction at the steel-concrete interface. While many numerical modeling techniques have been proposed to tackle this complex phenomenon, most have been limited to using staggered solution schemes, where the diffusion, chemical reaction, mechanical strain, and crack fields are solved for separately. Unfortunately, such approaches introduce numerical errors that can lead to unrealistic predictions. Therefore, a coupled solution, is needed to remove the formulation induced errors and understand this complex phenomenon. To provide a unifying solution framework for corrosion induced cracking in reinforced concrete, a phase field formulation is presented and implemented with FEM algorithms. The governing equations are derived from the system's free energy and Fick's law of diffusion. The proposed formulation was first validated in 1D by comparing the modeling results with the semi-analytical solution approximated via Laurent series to avoid singularities in the complex domain. 2D plane strain solutions to the embedded rebar undergoing corrosion induced cracking with pre-cracks are also presented and compared with the approximated solutions from linear elastic fracture mechanics theory (LEFM). The modeling of crack propagation enabled by the proposed formulation is also presented along with parametric studies to reveal the roles of the fracture toughness and permeability of the concrete on the corrosion induced cracking. A case study was also conducted on H-pile steel with concrete jackets to demonstrate the feasibility of modeling corrosion induced fracture in reinforced concrete structures with complex steel-concrete interfaces.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Revisiting the effects of molybdenum and tungsten alloying on corrosion behavior of nickel-chromium alloys in aqueous corrosion

Minor alloying additions such as molybdenum (Mo) have major effects on the localized corrosion resistance of corrosion resistant alloys containing chromium. However, progress in alloy development is mostly based upon empirical observations, where any mechanistic insights are largely relegated to the latter stages of localized corrosion (i.e., stabilization and propagation) that are more readily accessible experimentally. For instance, it is well understood that Mo and tungsten (W) affect repassivation of local active, as well as widespread transpassive, corrosion sites and Mo surface enrichment during corrosion is well-documented. In this paper, a comprehensive examination of the functions and mechanism by which selected Mo and W operate to improve the passivity and resistance to breakdown during the initial stages of localized corrosion of the most common Ni-based solid solution alloys is presented. Furthermore, it is shown that Mo and W exert considerable influence on many stages of corrosion, including both passivation and film breakdown, re-enforcing old and introducing more recent ideas in this comprehensive review of the current state of corrosion research on Ni-Cr-(Mo + W) alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Controlling the corrosion resistance of multi-principal element alloys

Multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) offer the possibility of many degrees of freedom in the choice of alloying elements to produce either single phase solid solutions or more complex multiphase microstructures. Large ranges of material properties have been observed for MPEAs and mastery of the selection of elements and their compositions can enable novel combinations of properties not possible in traditional alloys. From the aqueous corrosion perspective, optimization of phase stability, control of heterogeneities, passive film identity and its protectiveness, as well as substrate properties such as metal-metal bond strength and activation energy associated with dissolution, can all be controlling factors governed by alloy composition and structure. These factors can mediate the electrochemical reactions controlling spontaneous corrosion. The quest for superior properties based on well-informed element choice is suggested as a path forward guiding MPEA formulations for corrosion performance. However, gaps in fundamental knowledge exist regarding (a) the specific functions of each element, (b) the behavior of elements in unusual combinations, and (c) the formation of complex protective oxides. These issues currently hold back progress in optimization of corrosion properties.

Scully, John R.↗

Potential-pH diagrams considering complex oxide solution phases for understanding aqueous corrosion of multi-principal element alloys

The potential-pH diagram, a graphical representation of the thermodynamically predominant reaction products in aqueous corrosion, is originally proposed for the corrosion of pure metals. The original approach only leads to stoichiometric oxides and hydroxides as the oxidation products. However, numerous experiments show that non-stoichiometric oxide scales are prevalent in the aqueous corrosion of alloys. In the present study, a room temperature potential-pH diagram considering oxide solid solutions, as a generalization of the traditional potential-pH diagram with stoichiometric oxides, is constructed for an FCC single-phase multi-principal element alloy (MPEA) based on the CALculation of PHAse Diagram method. The predominant reaction products, the ions in aqueous solution, and the cation distribution in oxides are predicted. The oxide solid solution is stabilized by the mixing free energy (or mixing entropy) and the stabilizing effect becomes more significant as the temperature increases. Consequently, solid solution oxides are stable in large regions of the potential-pH diagram and the mixing free energy mostly affects the equilibrium composition of the stable oxides, while the shape of stable regions for oxides is mostly determined by the structure of the stable oxides. Agreements are found for Ni 2+ , Fe 2+ , and Mn 2+ between the atomic emission spectroelectrochemistry measurements and thermodynamic calculations, while deviations exist for Cr 3+ and Co 2+ possibly due to surface complexation with species such as Cl - and the oxide dissolution. By incorporating the solution models of oxides, the current work presents a general and more accurate way to analyze the reaction products during aqueous corrosion of MPEAs.

Materials Science↗

NASA's Beachside Corrosion Test Site and Current Environmentally Friendly Corrosion Control Initiatives

NASA began corrosion studies at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in 1966 during the Gemini/Apollo Programs with the evaluation of long-term corrosion protective coatings for carbon steel. KSC's Beachside Corrosion Test Site (BCTS), which has been documented by the American Society of Materials (ASM) as one of the most corrosive, naturally occurring, environments in the world, was established at that time. With the introduction of the Space Shuttle in 1981, the already highly corrosive conditions at the launch pad were rendered even more severe by the acid ic exhaust from the solid rocket boosters. In the years that followed, numerous studies have identified materials, coatings, and maintenance procedures for launch hardware and equipment exposed to the highly corrosive environment at the launch pad. This paper presents a historical overview of over 45 years of corrosion and coating evaluation studies and a description of the BCTS's current capabilities. Additionally, current research and testing programs involving chromium free coatings, environmentally friendly corrosion preventative compounds, and alternates to nitric acid passivation will be discussed.

Russell, Richard W.↗

Bioinspired nonwetting surfaces for corrosion inhibition over a range of temperature and corrosivity

Applications of superhydrophobic (SHS) and lubricant infused surfaces (LIS) involve exposure to corrosive environments from the acidic to the basic, at a range of temperatures, that are not fully characterized. Here, we present for the first time a multifactorial study of the effects of surface fabrication method, surface modification, surface functionalization time, temperature and pH of the immersion medium on the corrosion performance of nonwetting copper surfaces. Bioinspired SHS and LIS fabricated using facile methods of etching and electrodeposition are systematically assessed using potentiodynamic polarization measurements for their corrosion resistance in saline solution (pH ≈7) over a temperature range 23–85°C. SHS and LIS are shown to exhibit diminished corrosion rate, by up to two orders of magnitude, compared to bare copper surface. An Arrhenius model is developed for the first time, describing the temperature- dependent corrosion rate of SHS and LIS. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is used to show that corrosion resistance of LIS is larger by three orders of magnitude in extremely acidic (pH = 1) and by an order magnitude in extremely alkaline (pH = 14) media compared to bare copper surface. Etched LIS are generally more resistant to corrosion compared to SHS at all temperatures with excellent microstructural durability.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Application of Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors for Tank Bottom Plate Corrosion Control

Soil-side corrosion of aboveground storage tank (AST) bottoms is a great challenge. ASTs usually include active cathodic protection (CP) systems to mitigate soil-side corrosion of the bottoms. CP systems could fail leading to unprotected tank bottoms, and sometime corrosion could occur even with active CP. A study was conducted to determine efficacy of the vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCI) technology in mitigating corrosion. VCIs were discovered to be effective in mitigating corrosion when recommended dosages are used, and could also be used in combination with impressed current CP systems. Overall, VCI technology was found to be a viable corrosion control measure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Corrosion of carbon steel and the passivating properties of corrosion films formed under high-PT geothermal conditions

Corrosion is a major obstacle to a safe implementation of geotechnical applications. Here, using a novel approach that includes vertical scanning interferometry (VSI) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) we discuss time-dependent carbon steel corrosion and film formation at geothermally relevant temperatures (80-160 °C) in CO 2 -saturated mildly acidic Na—Cl brine. Iron dissolution kinetics follows a logarithmic rate at 80 and 160 °C and a linear rate at 120 °C. At 80 °C, high initial corrosion rates (first 24 h) generate H 2 at a minimum rate of 12 μmol h -1 cm -2 and lead to the formation of a continuous ~100 μm thick porous corrosion film. It exhibits a duplex structure with a crystalline outer FeCO 3 layer and an inner layer composed of a skeletal network of Fe 3 C impregnated with FeCO 3 . Being an electrical conductor we hypothesize the Fe 3 C to strongly enhance corrosion rates by providing additional cathodic sites. Pseudo-passivity due to an anodic film-forming reaction (presumably Fe-oxide) was observed at 120 and 160 °C, soon followed by the initiation of pitting at 120 °C. Steady-state corrosion rates at 160 °C are at least one order of magnitude lower than for 120 °C. Lastly, our experimental approach demonstrated potential for general applicability in studying corrosion-related phenomena.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Improving Corrosion Resistance and Corrosive Wear Resistance of Aluminum Alloy Drill Pipe by Surface Nanocrystallization and Micro-arc Oxidation

To improve the corrosion and wear resistance performance of aluminum alloy drill pipes in geological and petroleum drilling applications, a strengthening coating was prepared on the surface of the 2618 aluminum alloy by combining treatment with ultrasonic cold forging technology (UCFT) and micro-arc oxidation (MAO). The effects of the strengthening coating on the corrosion and wear resistance of the aluminum alloy were evaluated by electrochemical and tribological tests. The results demonstrated that the corrosion and wear resistance of the aluminum alloy were improved by the UCFT and MAO technologies, especially the salt corrosion resistance. The corrosion morphology of the strengthening coating primarily included pitting, micro-cracks and NaCl attachment. In addition, the UCFT + MAO composite coating exhibited the best wear performance. The wear rate of the UCFT + MAO composite coating was lower than that of the aluminum alloy by 94%. The results provided support for this excellent surface treatment technology for the corrosion and wear resistance of aluminum alloy drill pipes, and they also present a feasible evaluation method for drill pipes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Combining four-point bending and corrosion to map stress-dependent corrosion susceptibility of 316H stainless steel in FLiNaK

Understanding the effect of stress on the corrosion of steels in molten salts is important for material screening and safety assessment of molten salt reactors. We present a method that combines four-point bending with corrosion testing, enabling the mapping of corrosion susceptibility as a function of local stress from a single specimen. Guided by finite element analysis, a four-point bending setup was used to bend a 316H stainless-steel bar under controlled elastic stress during a 100-hour exposure in FLiNaK at 700 °C. Post-exposure characterization using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed a pronounced correlation between stress and corrosion. Regions under tensile stress exhibited significantly deeper attack depths and greater chromium depletion along grain boundaries, whereas compressive zones showed shallower corrosion cracks. The stress effect is attributed to stress concentration under tensile loading, which promotes chromium dissolution and crack propagation. This technique can be readily applied to other structural alloys, enabling quantitative measurement of corrosion susceptibility as a function of local stress.

316H↗

Revisiting the Corrosion of the Aluminum Current Collector in Lithium-Ion Batteries

The corrosion of aluminum current collectors and the oxidation of solvents at a relatively high potential have been widely investigated with an aim to stabilize the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries using such components. The corrosion behavior of aluminum current collectors was revisited using a home-build high-precision electrochemical measurement system, and the impact of electrolyte components and the surface protection layer on aluminum foil was systematically studied. The electrochemical results showed that the corrosion of aluminum foil was triggered by the electrochemical oxidation of solvent molecules, like ethylene carbonate, at a relative high potential. The organic radical cations generated from the electrochemical oxidation are energetically unstable, and readily undergo a deprotonation reaction that generates protons and promote the dissolution of Al3+ from the aluminum foil. This new reaction mechanism can also shed light on the dissolution of transitional metal at high potentials.

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory↗

Probing corrosion using a simple and versatile in situ multimodal corrosion measurement system

In this work, we have developed a unique in situ multimodal corrosion system that is capable of acquiring electrochemical data, sample imaging/visualization and hydrogen collection, simultaneously. Each of these modalities yield valuable information pertaining to the ongoing corrosion process. Combining them can yield holistic information on the role of microstructure, processing history, presence of coatings, etc., on the sequence of steps occurring during the corrosion process, and how they correlate with the acquired electrochemical data. Four materials systems, namely AA6061-T6 aluminum alloy, AZ91 magnesium alloy, galvanized DP590 steel, and pure Zn, were investigated under open circuit potential and under potentiodynamic polarization. The multimodal corrosion system was utilized to observe processes such as surface passivation and dissolution, pit and filiform corrosion initiation and propagation, and was correlated with location and magnitude of hydrogen evolution. This approach is shown to yield a truly multimodal understanding of the ongoing corrosion processes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗