Changes in chemical composition of TixAl1−xN coatings immersed in oxygen-saturated Lead–Bismuth Eutectic at low and moderate temperatures (250 °C ≤ T ≤ 410 °C)

Essam Sadik Serag, Emile Haye, Ben Caers, Paul Schuurmans, Stéphane Lucas

    Research outputpeer-review

    Abstract

    Lead–Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) will serve as a liquid metal coolant in accelerator-driven systems, posing a corrosive threat to exposed materials. To address this challenge, TixAl1-xN coatings (0.38 ≤ x ≤ 0.58) were applied onto AISI 316 L austenitic stainless steel using the reactive bipolar magnetron sputtering technique. These coated samples underwent immersion in static oxygen-saturated LBE at temperatures of 250 °C and 360 °C for durations of 500 h and 1000 h, and at 410 °C for 500 h. XPS depth profiles revealed minimal oxidation at 250 °C even after 1000 h. However, at 360 °C, a mixed oxide layer of (Ti, Al)Ox was formed on the coating's surface. Exposure to LBE at 410 °C for 500 h led to the creation of an oxide bilayer comprising TiO2 (outer sublayer) and (Ti, Al)Ox depleted of Ti (inner sublayer). A model is proposed to illustrate the oxidation mechanism.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number105217
    Number of pages14
    JournalProgress in Nuclear Energy
    Volume172
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Jul 2024

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Nuclear Energy and Engineering
    • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
    • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
    • Waste Management and Disposal

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