Influence of yttrium oxide concentration on corrosion resistance of 316L oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steel.

Nuclear reactors operating at high temperatures and in harsh environments can benefit significantly from the use of 316L Oxide Dispersion Strengthened (ODS) steel. This steel is particularly suitable due to its excellent machinability, ductility and ability to maintain mechanical integrity at temperatures above 1000 °C. ODS 316L steel achieves its excellent performance through the dispersion of fine, stable oxide particles in the steel matrix. In addition, ODS 316L steel exhibits excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance, further extending its life and reliability under prolonged exposure to high temperatures and radiation. This study aimed to enhance the corrosion resistance of 316L steel by incorporating yttrium oxide (Y2O3) into its matrix. Samples differed in the way the powders were prepared by mechanical alloying (MA). Powder preparation parameters included time: 5, 10 and 50 hours, rotational speed: 250 rpm, with grinding cycles of 15 minutes and 15-minute intervals for diversion. The materials were manufactured using pulse plasma sintering (PPS) and then compared with standard 316L steel rods. The corrosion resistance of the 316L+Y2O3 was investigated, with Y2O3 added in concentrations of 1 wt.% and 3 wt.% in both nano and micro sizes. Electrochemical techniques including corrosion potential measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic tests in various solutions (0.5M NaCl, 0.5M H2SO4, 0.5M H2SO4+0.5MNaCl) were performed to assess the corrosion properties. Additionally, the surfaces affected by corrosion were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical profilometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]