| Abstract Scope |
Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) represent promising next-gen nuclear power sources for the US. However, corrosion of structural materials poses a significant hurdle. To understand the corrosion behavior of commercial alloys and develop effective corrosion mitigation strategies in the MSR environment, it is crucial to gain insights into the basic corrosion behavior of simple model metals and alloys in molten salts. Electron microscopy and in-situ synchrotron characterization techniques are utilized to analyze the microstructural evolution of pure nickel, nickel-chromium alloys, and additively manufactured stainless steels during molten salt corrosion with or without applied stress. Small scale mechanical testing is performed to measure the strength of grain boundaries after corrosion. These techniques illuminate detailed microstructural changes and their impact on mechanical properties in molten salt environments, providing essential insights into MSR corrosion mechanisms. |