Mechanisms of corrosion of stellite-6 in

lithiated high temperature water

 W.H. Hocking∗,
 F.W. Stanchell∗,
 E. McAlpine†,
 D.H. Lister†

Choose an option to locate/access this article:

Check if you have access through your login credentials or your institution
Check access

Purchase $41.95

Show more
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0010-938X(85)90031-9
Get rights and content

Abstract
The corrosion of the cobalt-based alloy Stellite-6 in lithiated high temperature water,
simulating one chemistry regime of an operating pressurized water reactor (PWR) coolant
circuit, has been investigated using a combination of surface analytical, microscopic and
radiotracer techniques. X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS) has been employed to
determine the chemical composition at the outer surface of the corrosion layer. The
morphology of the corroded surface has been characterized by transmission and scanning
electron microscopy. Scanning Auger microscopy (SAM) has been used to determine the
spatial distribution of elements within the oxide layer and underlying alloy. Composition
depth profiles have been constructed by sequential ion-sputter etching and either XPS or
Auger electron surface analysis. Further details of the corrosion processes have been
elucidated using ion-implanted radiotracers. For lithiated coolant under reducing
conditions, the oxide film on Stellite-6 appears to grow predominantly via solid-state
diffusion processes. Preferential dissolution of cobalt at the oxide-solution interface leads to
a strongly enhanced chromium concentration within the oxide layer. A modest increase in
the oxygen activity of the coolant can drive the corrosion mechanism into a fast dissolution-
precipitation regime.