Affiliation:
1. Nuclear Energy Technology Institute Research Group: Structural Materials Belgian Nuclear Research Center (SCK CEN) 2400 Mol Belgium
2. Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering Research Group: Sustainable Materials Science Ghent University Technologiepark 46 9052 Zwijnaarde Belgium
Abstract
Liquid metal embrittlement (LME) is one of the main concerns in the development of new generations of nuclear reactors, such as lead‐cooled fast reactor systems. Many research efforts have not been able to reveal the mechanisms responsible for having LME‐sensitive phases (ferrite/martensite) and LME‐insensitive phases (austenite). Transformation‐induced plasticity (TRIP) steels combine LME insensitive and sensitive phases but are not studied in lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE) yet. This work aims to investigate the LME susceptibility of TRIP steel in contact with LBE by slow strain rate tensile tests at 350 °C and strain rate. In addition, the role of the surface features on the LME susceptibility is also discussed. The obtained results show that TRIP steel is highly susceptible to LME. Corrosion by the liquid LBE, surface degradation effects due to the electrical discharge machining surface finish, the TRIP effect, and mechanical degradation by LBE are all identified to have a certain impact on this severe ductility reduction in the TRIP/LBE system.