| Abstract Scope |
Due to its excellent physico-chemical properties, silicon carbide (SiC) has been recognized for its potential as a core component material in molten salt reactor applications. One of the remaining issues that can limit usability of this material is molten salt corrosion. In this talk, I will discuss our recent theoretical studies revealing corrosion mechanisms of SiC exposed to the molten salt environment. I will first discuss, from the thermodynamic point of view, the dissolution potential of species in FLiBe and FLiNaK molten salts. Secondly, I will discuss the elementary interfacial reactions driving corrosion, including a discovery of the swapping reaction between Si and C atoms near the surface, which plays a key role in surface degradation. Finally, I will discuss the “radiolysis” effect of molten salt on the corrosion behavior of SiC. |