Corrosion behaviour of Ni-based superalloys in molten FLiNaK salts

Abstract

High-temperature corrosion tests of alloys, Nimonic 80A, Inconel 718 and Inconel C-276, were investigated at 680°C in molten alkali fluoride salt (LiF–NaF–KF: 46.5–11.5–42%) environment. In this work, techniques included were weight loss measurements and potentiodynamic polarisation curves measurements. Inconel C-276 and Inconel 718 showed better corrosion resistance, while Nimonic 80A exhibited comparatively lower corrosion resistance. The high-temperature corrosion behaviour was observed using measurements of the oxide morphology and thickness. The corrosion rates were determined by recording the weight changes of the sample alloys at different time intervals. Microstructural examination showed the depletion of Cr near the surface of the alloys and hence the significant weight loss in the early stages of corrosion tests. The corrosion mechanism of the alloys is discussed in detail.