The corrosion of copper in irradiated and unirradiated humid air. (15th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ibrahim, B.; Zagidulin, D.; Behazin, M.; Ramamurthy, S.; Wren, J.C.; Shoesmith, D.W.
• Is Part Of: Corrosion science. Volume 141(2018)
• Page Start: 53
• Page End: 62
• Publication Date: 2018-08-15
• Subjects: Copper -- Corrosion -- Gamma radiation -- Copper oxide -- Deep geologic repository; Corrosion and anti-corrosives -- Periodicals; 620.11223
• DOI: 10.1016/j.corsci.2018.05.024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0010-938X

Abstract

Highlights: Corrosion of Cu in non-irradiated and irradiated H2 O aerated vapour investigated. The corrosion layer on the corroded areas reached a limiting thickness after ≤30 d. Low γ dose rates exhibited only a marginal influence on generally corroded areas. The depth of corrosion penetration into the Cu was relatively minor. Abstract: Copper corrosion in aerated water vapour has been studied as a function of temperature, relative humidity in the presence and absence of a low gamma radiation dose rate. On surface areas covered by a thin water layer corrosion ceased after ≤ 30 days by the formation of CuO on the surface of a Cu2 O layer. At the locations of condensed water droplets corrosion was more extensive since the corrosion product developed porosity. Radiation accelerated the formation of Cu2 O on corroded areas and increased the number and size of the more extensively corroded locations. The distribution of condensed water was the dominant feature controlling corrosion penetration.