Corrosion behavior of Al-alloying high Cr-ODS steels in lead–bismuth eutectic

The corrosion resistances of ODS steels with 0–3.5 wt% Al and 13.7–17.3 wt% Cr, and a 12Cr steel were examined. The experiments were conducted at 550 and 650 °C for up to 3000 h in stagnant LBE containing 10−6 and 10−8 wt% oxygen for the ODS steels, and at 550 °C for up to 5000 h in that containing 10−8 wt% oxygen for the 12Cr steel. Protective Al oxide scales were formed on the surfaces of the ODS steels with approximately 3.5 wt% Al and 13.7–17.3 wt% Cr. Addition of Al is very effective in improving the corrosion resistance of ODS steels. The ODS steel with 16 wt% Cr and no Al did not show any corrosion resistance except in LBE with 10−6 wt% oxygen at 550 °C. The corrosion resistance may not be improved by solely increasing Cr concentration.