Sample environment for in situ synchrotron corrosion studies of materials in extreme environments

A newin situ sample environment has been designed and developed to study the interfacial interactions of nuclearcladding alloys with high temperature steam. The sample environment is particularly optimized for synchrotronX-ray diffraction studies forin situ structural analysis. The sample environment is highlycorrosion resistant and can be readily adapted for steam environments. Thein situ sample environment design complies with G2 ASTM standards for studyingcorrosion inzirconium and its alloys and offers remote temperature and pressure monitoring during thein situ data collection. The use of thein situ sample environment is exemplified by monitoring theoxidation of metalliczirconium during exposure to steam at 350  °C. Thein situ sample environment provides a powerful tool for fundamental understanding ofcorrosion mechanisms by elucidating the substoichiometric oxide phases formed during the early stages ofcorrosion, which can provide a better understanding of theoxidation process.

Source: Review of Scientific Instruments - October 25, 2016 Category: Physics Authors: Mohamed S. Elbakhshwan, Simerjeet K. Gill, Arthur T. Motta, Randy Weidner, Thomas Anderson and Lynne E. Ecker Source Type: research