Corrosion testing under inert atmosphere with stainless steel crucibles

Abstract

Molten salt eutectics have potential applications in Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems as Phase Change Materials (PCMs), however eutectic salts with melting temperatures above 400°C are highly corrosive under air atmospheres. A method for testing under inert atmosphere is presented and results from testing under isothermal and thermal cycling conditions for two salts (NaCl/Na2CO3 and NaCl/Na2SO4) with melting temperatures of around 630°C are discussed. Chromium oxides were present at the salt/metal interface whilst iron and nickel remained in metal phase.