Tsisar V. Regularities of oxide layer formation on Armco-iron and chromium steels in lead melt containing oxygen

The phenomenon of corrosion interaction of structural materials with lead melts. To determine the regularities and mechanism of oxidation of Armco-iron and chromium steels in the lead melt containing oxygen. Optical and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray, energy dispersive and Auger-spectral analyses and durometry were used. The mechanical tests were carried out. The peculiarities of oxide phases formation on the surface of Armco-iron and chromium steels (20Х13 and EП-823) under exposure to lead melt containing oxygen (CO[Pb]~10-6…10-3mass%, 650*С, 3500 h) were determined; the distinctions of materials oxidation in lead melt and gaseous mediums were revealed; the optimal oxygen concentration in lead melt and phase-structural state of steels promoting the decreasing of corrosion influence of heat transfer were recommended. The mechanism of origin and growing of double oxide layer on the surface of chromium steels in lead melt containing oxygen is proposed for the first time. Field of activity is reactor science of materials.