Corrosion Behavior of Max Phase Ti3SiC2 Tube in High-Temperature High-Pressure Water and Superheated Steam

Abstract:

MAX phases have the potential to be used as accident tolerant fuel (ATF) cladding materials. In order to fully understand the corrosion behavior of MAX phases under the simulated normal service conditions,the MAX phase ceramic tube with Ti3SiC2 matrix was exposed to 400 ℃/10.3 MPa superheated steam, 360 ℃/18.6 MPa deionized water, 3.5 ppm Li + 1000 ppm B solution and 70 ppm Li solution for corrosion tests. The microstructure, crystal structure and composition of the samples before and after corrosion were observed by XRD, SEM and FIB/TEM. The results show that the corrosion rates of Ti3SiC2 under the four corrosion conditions are all much higher than that of reference Zr-4 alloy, TiO2 was characterized as the main corrosion product; loose and no protective oxide film was formed on the surface of Ti3SiC2 tube.