Effect of Ni and Cr Contents on Corrosion of Steel Under Reactor Condition

Abstract

The effect of Ni and Cr contents in steel on its corrosion behaviour in presence of γ-radiation is being investigated. Albeit through different pathways, increase in both Ni and Cr content decreases the rate of material's degradation. With increasing Ni content, the passivity of an oxide film increases due to the build-up of a thicker layer leading to a lower corrosion rate. In case of Cr, the higher content induces formation of highly protective FeCr₂O₄ layer in the early stage of corrosion and suppresses further oxidation.