Corrosion of Indian RAFMS in Pb-17Li in a rotating disc corrosion test facility at 773Â K

A rotating disc type corrosion test facility has been developed to study the compatibility of structural steels in lead-lithium eutectic at selected temperatures and flow velocities. The compatibility of an Indian Reduced Activation Ferritic-Martensitic Steel (IN RAFMS) disc rotating at 360 revolutions per minute (RPM) in Pb-17Li was studied at 773 K after an exposure of 3000 h. Results indicated that weight loss occurred at a rate of 1.02 μg/cm2 h for a total duration of 3000 h. The corrosion mechanism was governed by dissolution of alloying elements from the sample surface and penetration of Pb-17Li into the IN RAFMS matrix. The microstructure of the parent material got altered up to a depth of 30 μm from the exposed surface although effects of Pb-17Li penetration were noted up to 100 μm. The depth of Pb-17Li attack increased with increase in linear flow velocities along the radial direction of the IN RAFMS disc.