| Abstract Scope |
Equipment used in Pu pyrochemical processing is subjected to high temperatures in corrosive molten salt media. Materials such as Ta and W were identified during the Manhattan project as suitable for nuclear applications due to their conductivity and resistance to leeching into, alloying with, or solubilizing in molten Pu. These refractories are subject to brittle failure over time and are not optimized for stresses seen in the pyrochemical environment. Here we investigate several alternative alloys to be employed into the Pu pyrochemical processing environment. A series of
thermodynamic calculations were used to screen potential alloy compositions, specifically investigating Ta, W, Ru, and Mo. The calculations were refined to prioritize elemental alloying strength and oxidation resistance. A series of thermomechanical loading tests will be conducted to compare performance of Ta-10W, Ultra-76, TZM, Ta, and W which have been exposed to molten salt and Pu. |