Effect of surface preparation on the corrosion of austenitic stainless steel 304L in high temperature steam and simulated PWR primary water

The corrosion behavior of 304L grade stainless steel (SS) in high-temperature steam and in a simulated Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) is studied. The goal was to characterize the nature of the oxide coating generated during 500 h exposure of samples in a 400 °C steam (200 bar) or a 340 °C simulated PWR. Accelerating the effect of the steam environment as well as the influence of surface preparation have been studied. Two initial sample surfaces were used: mechanical polishing and finishing grinding. Oxide coatings were investigated using TEM imaging coupled with EELS spectroscopy and R – SIMS (Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy).

► Influence of surface preparation.
► Oxide coatings studied by TEM and SIMS.
► Accelerating effect of steam.