Corrosion resistance of pyrolytic graphite in LiCl-KCl-UCl3 molten salt for pyrochemical reprocessing application. (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Madhura, B.; Jagadeeswara Rao, Ch.; Vetrivendan, E.; Ningshen, S.; Mallika, C.; Kamachi Mudali, U.
• Is Part Of: Corrosion engineering, science, and technology. Volume 53:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 188
• Page End: 193
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: Pyrolytic graphite -- corrosion -- molten salt -- uranium chloride -- surface analysis; Corrosion and anti-corrosives -- Periodicals; 620.11223
• DOI: 10.1080/1478422X.2017.1396410
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-422X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Pyrolytic graphite (PyG) is a highly oriented, dense and crystalline form of graphite, which exhibits superior air oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance, and favourable mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties compared to conventional graphite materials. It is proposed as the material of construction for high-temperature molten LiCl-KCl for pyrochemical reprocessing of metallic fuel. In the present study, long-term corrosion behaviour of PyG in LiCl-KCl molten salt with 5 wt-% UCl3 was evaluated by immersion studies at 873 K for 2000 h, under inert argon atmosphere. Characterisation of PyG before and after molten salt exposure was carried out using X-ray diffraction technique, scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy, laser Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy. The results revealed the superior corrosion resistance and excellent phase stability of PyG with negligible weight change and no appreciable change in the surface chemistry and morphology up to the exposure time of 2000 h.