Stress Corrosion Cracking of Structural Nuclear Materials: Influencing Factors and Materials Selection

Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) plays a central role in the development of improved structural nuclear materials. Complex interactions between microstructure, alloy composition, manufacturing and environmental factors make the understanding of this phenomenon difficult. This work aimed at reviewing the scientific literature on the SCC behavior of structural nuclear materials in order to identify the main factors that govern this phenomenon. Additionally, the interaction between these factors and materials selection is discussed in order to provide a comprehensive basis for the successful design of metallic materials with improved resistance to SCC.

Influence of Biocompatible Coating on Titanium Surface Characteristics

Background: Nowadays investigations in the field of dental implants engineering are focused on bioactivity and osseointegration properties. Objective: In this study, the oxide-covered titanium was functionalized by vitamin D3 molecules via a simple self-assembly method with the aim to design more corrosion-resistant and at the same time more bioactive surface. Methods: Surface properties of the D3-coated titanium were examined by scanning electron microscopy, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements, while long-term corrosion stability during immersion in an artificial saliva solution was investigated in situ by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results: Results of all techniques confirmed a successful formation of the vitamin D3 layer on the oxide-covered titanium. Besides very good corrosion resistivity (~5 MΩ cm2), the D3-modified titanium surface induced spontaneous formation of biocompatible bone-like calcium phosphates (CaP). Conclusion: Observed in vitro CaP-forming ability as a result of D3-modified titanium/artificial saliva interactions could serve as a promising predictor of in vivo bioactivity of implant materials.

Formation and Characterization of Dispersed Mixed Iron-titanium Oxide Systems by Electrochemical Method

Aims: Anodic polarization behavior of a combined iron-titanium electrode (two metals in electrical contact with each other) in aqueous solutions containing halide ions (F- and Cl-) was studied. Methods: he joint anodic dissolution of titanium and iron with subsequent thermal treatment makes it possible to obtain precursors of a highly dispersed mixed oxide system Fe2O3-TiO2. The phase and elemental composition and structural characteristics of obtained products were examined using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. It has been experimentally confirmed that via changing the anode current density, hydrofluoric acid concentration in electrolyte and ratio of the working surface area of contacting metals, it is possible to effectively control the rate of anodic reactions and phase composition and morphology of anodic oxidation products for iron and titanium components in a combined electrode. Results: The main results of this study are as follows: Electrochemical method for the synthesis of complex dispersed oxide system Fe2O3-TiO2 based on joint anodic oxidation of contacting metals in aqueous media was suggested. Relationships between parameters of the electrochemical process and characteristics of the synthesized oxide system were revealed. Conclusion: By varying the parameters of the electrolysis process, it is possible to prepare complex oxyhydroxides with different ratios of iron and titanium, which makes it possible to synthesize precursors of iron titanates of preset composition and structure.

Steel Corrosion and Control in Concrete Made with Seawater

Background: Water scarcity is amongst the biggest problems the world is facing in the 21st century. To reduce the consumption of Potable Water (PW) in construction industries and to make concrete construction more sustainable, its replacement with Seawater (SW) has been explored. Technical literature on this subject is not widely available. Such investigations are necessary for determining suitable remedial measures for the effective utilization of seawater for making sustainable concrete. Objective: In the present study, use of Seawater (SW) has been explored as both mixing and curing water in concrete. To counter the adverse effects of seawater on strength and corrosion resistance, use of Fly Ash (FA) and Red Mud (RM) as cement replacements in the seawater concrete had been investigated. Methods: The possibility of the use of seawater in making concrete has been explored by literature and experimental investigations. The obtained results are discussed in light of the information available in the literature. Various tests were performed such as compressive strength, Half-cell potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and microstructural analysis using SEM and XRD. Result: Results showed higher compressive strength and improved corrosion resistance for Seawater Concrete (SWC) with FA & RM as compared to Potable Water Concrete (PWC) specimens. SWC specimens without supplementary cementitious materials show lower electrical resistivity and potential more negative than -450 mV indicating severe corrosion. 30% FA and 5% RM is identified as the optimum combination for the most favorable response in terms of mechanical strength and electrical resistivity of seawater concrete. After 90 days, the compressive strength of 35.77 MPa was achieved. Conclusion: Combination of both FA and RM in SWC reduces chloride migration and increases chloride binding by the formation of Friedel’s salt. Half-cell potential (HCP) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) results confirmed a reduction in corrosion rate in SWC specimens with fly ash and red mud.

Susceptibility to Localized Corrosion of ASTM F745 and UNS S32750 Stainless Steels Influence of pH and Cytotoxicity Evaluation

Background: Body fluids are highly corrosive as they contain chlorides and hydroxides ions, as well as salts, bacteria, proteins and dissolved oxygen. The pH of the body is usually around 7.4, although this value can vary in a range of 4 to 9 after surgery or because of haematomas, inflammations and infections. ASTM F745 (type 316L) stainless steel has been used for load bearing partial and total joint replacements and post trauma reconstructive surgeries. However, long exposure to the aggressive effect of chloride ion present in the human body, may increase the susceptibility to suffer localized corrosion. Although UNS S32750 has greater corrosion resistance to chloride ion, its magnetic characteristics inhibit its use in implantable devices. Nevertheless, this stainless steel could be used in temporary implants and orthodontic appliances such as brackets, wire arches and bands, due to its high resistance to corrosion, the greater mechanical resistance and the high capacity of plastic forming. Objectives: The objective was to evaluate the susceptibility to localized corrosion in simulated body fluid, in the pH range of 4 to 9. Another objective was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of Cr and Ni present in the chemical composition of both stainless steels. Cytocompatibility was also analysed by seeding cells on the surfaces of both stainless steels. Methods: Cyclic polariation test was performed to evaluate the susceptibility to localized corrosion in 0.9 wt% NaCl aqueous solution, at pH between 4 and 9, maintained at 37°C. For cytotoxicity evaluation, neutral red, MTT and collagen assays were performed using UMR-106 cell line. Cytocompatibility was analysed by seeding UMR-106 cells on the surfaces of both stainless steels. Results: F745-SS was more susceptible to suffer localized corrosion than UNS S32750. Although it showed a tendency to develop transpassive reactions at low pH, galvanostatic tests did not reveal the onset of localized corrosion. The results from the cytotoxicity assays indicated that no adverse effects were observed. UMR-106 osteoblastic cells showed high viability, however, a slight reduction in the collagen production was observed. The cytocompatibility was also satisfactory, since the cells seeded on the surfaces had adequate proliferation. Conclusion: F745-SS is more susceptible to suffer localized corrosion than UNS S32750 in the pH range between 4 and 9. UNS S32750 showed an extensive passive region, however, transpassive reactions were observed at lower pH. On the other hand, no cytotoxic effects were promoted by both stainless steels, although a slight reduction in collagen production was observed. Cells seeded on F745-SS and UNS S32750 surfaces had an acceptable proliferation, without evidence of changes in their morphology.

Effect of Organic Acids on the Electrochemical Migration of Tin in Thin Electrolyte Layer

Background and Objective: The effects of representative solder flux residue weak organic acids on electrochemical migration (ECM) of tin in thin electrolyte layer were studied using a technique based on the coupling of in situ electrochemical measurements and optical observations, as well as ex situ characterizations. Methods and Results: The results showed that the increasing amount of weak organic acid decreased the probability of ECM and dendrites formed were mainly composed of metallic tin. Tin ions reacted with organic compound ions from hydrolysis of weak organic acids to form complexes with electronegativity, which retarded the transfer of tin ions. Some complexes can be oxidized to the insoluble tin oxides on the anode surface and blocked the dissolution of anode during tin ECM. Conclusion: The growth rate of tin dendrite was found to be limited by the dissociation of complexes. Mechanisms involved were proposed to explain the role of weak organic acid in the tin ECM.

A Review of Asphalt Binders Characterized by X-ray Diffraction

Asphalt binder research papers characterized by X-ray diffraction are reviewed. The Xray results reveal the aromaticity and crystallite size parameters of asphaltene in asphalt binders as reported in the research literature. The research data is discussed in terms of asphalt molecular structure on a length scale, methodology, and petroleum oil fields. Box plots and summary statistics created for each parameter are compared and discussed as they relate to eleven data sets from various asphaltene-crude-oil-geological-regions.

Formation of Corrosion Resistant Hard Coating of Litao3 by Anodizing in Molten Lino3

Background: Lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) thin film was synthesized and in situ coated on tantalum substrate via anodic oxidation. Methods: The effects of temperature, voltage and time on composition, morphology and hardness of film were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Vickers hardness, respectively. Results: Our results showed that surface hardness of all coated samples has been increased compared with that of pure tantalum. The value of hardness was found to gradually increase with temperature, voltage and reaction time of the coating process. Selected specimens, after coating, were immersed into 10 wt% NaOH solution at 50oC for 96h to explore their anti-corrosion performance. Immersing results indicated that LiTaO3 coated samples have a smaller mass loss and corrosion rate compared to those of pure Ta substrate. Pure tantalum sample and those coated by LiTaO3 thin film were further examined by electrochemical methods including open-circuit potential (OCP), potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS). Conclusion: We have found that samples coated with LiTaO3 thin film exhibit higher potentials and lower corrosion current densities than those of pure tantalum substrate, according to the results and analysis of OCP curves and potentiodynamic polarization curves. Upon anodic oxidation, samples display higher polarization resistance with higher resistance to corrosion.