Compatibility of Austenitic Steel With Molten Lead-Bismuth-Tin Alloy

The compatibility of the austenitic AISI 304 steel with Pb-Bi-Sn alloy was analyzed. The AISI 304 steels were immersed in stagnant molten Pb-33. 3Bi-33. 3Sn alloy at 400, 500 and 600 °C for different exposure times (100–2000 h) respectively. X-Ray diffraction spectrum (XRD) with a Y-4Q system (CuKα, λ = 0.154 78 nm) was used to identify the phases on the surface of specimens after exposing to Pb-Bi-Sn liquid metal (LM). The surface and cross section of the specimens were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The result showed that a FeSn alloy layer on the surface of all specimens was formed, and it prevented AISI 304 steel matrix from penetration attack and loss of alloy elements at 400 and 500 °C.