Gamma-ray irradiation effects on corrosion rates of stainless steel in boiling nitric acid containing ionic additives

Abstract

Irradiation effects of γ-rays on corrosion rates of type 304ULC stainless steel in 9×10−3mol/m3boiling nitric acid containing an ionic additive of multivalence elements of Ce(IV), Cr(VI) or Ru(III) were studied by measuring weight losses of specimens immersed under the 60Co γ-ray irradiation of 1 kC/(kg·h) (4MR/h). Tests without irradiation were carried out as well to obtain reference data. All the coexisting ionic species enhanced the corrosion in comparison with those in pure nitric acid, and the γ-ray irradiation moderated the enhancement. The valence analyses of these additives and redox potential measurements before and after the immersion batch under the irradiation suggested that the reduction of Ce(IV) and Cr(VI) induced by the irradiation have moderated the corrosion environment. © 1998 Taylor and Francis Group, LTD.