Evaluation of liquid metal embrittlement susceptibility of oxide dispersion strengthened steel MA956

This research examined the susceptibility of MA956 to liquid metal embrittlement using two experimental approaches. In both approaches, historical data on traditional steels was used to determine likely conditions to promote liquid metal embrittlement in lead and lead-bismuth eutectic environments. U-bend specimens of MA956 were found to be immune to liquid metal embrittlement after prolonged exposure to liquid lead. Similarly, slow strain rate testing of MA956 showed immunity to liquid metal embrittlement for both lead and lead-bismuth at temperatures of 328 °C and 150 °C respectively corresponding to the melting temperature of each embrittler individually. These results suggest that the same passive protective oxide layers that limit general corrosion and oxidation also prevent liquid metal embrittlement.