Corrosion and radiation resistant nanoceramic coatings for lead fast reactors

Bare and Al2O3-coated austenitic steel samples are exposed to lead-fast-reactor\relevant corrosive conditions. Selective leaching of Ni, Mn and Cr is observed in bare samples exposed to high temperature stagnant lead (550 degrees C, 10(-8) wt.% oxygen, 1000 and 4000 h). By contrast, corrosion is not observed in either pristine (4000 h) or irradiated (1000 h) coated samples. Further characterization and testing methods include SEM, TEM, STEM, EDS, cyclic nanoimpact, microindentation, scratch, and thermal cycling. Overall, the results show that the coatings retain structural integrity under the conditions investigated, which is a crucial prerogative for corrosion protection with ceramic coatings.