The impact of the composition of structural steels on their corrosion stability in liquid Pb–Bi at 500 and 400 °C with different oxygen concentrations

In recent years, heavy liquid metals have found exercise as possible coolants and targets in the conversion of radioactive elements in accelerator driven systems (ADS). Liquid lead–bismuth eutectic alloy is one of candidates for this using tanks to its suitable nuclear and physical properties. Performed examination was aimed at research of compatibility choice materials for parts of ADS with liquid Pb–Bi eutectic alloy, influence of composition choice materials on their corrosion resistance, influence of temperature and oxygen content. We performed corrosion tests of 1000 h each on approximately 20 types of structural steels (austenitic, ferritic and martensitic) in convection loops with flowing Pb–Bi at 500 and 400 °C and using different oxygen concentrations. The impact of Fe, Cr, Ni, Mn, Si, Al and Mo content on the corrosion stability of these steels was measured without and after preliminary passivation through creating thin spinel or oxide layers on their surface.