Corrosion of ternary carbides by molten lead

Two ternary carbides, Ti2AlC and Ti3SiC2 were tested for corrosion in circulating molten lead at 650 °C and 800 °C for possible application as cladding or structural materials in a lead-cooled fast reactor. The extent of reaction was minimal for both materials. The only observed interaction with the lead was a result of surface cracks and strains in the Ti2AlC produced by machining prior to exposure to the lead.