Compatibility of ZrN and HfN with Molten LiCl-KCl-NaCl-UCl₃

Authors

Prakash Periasamy, Boise State University
Michael F. Hurley, Boise State UniversityFollow
Brian M. Marx, Boise State University
Michael F. Simpson, Idaho National Laboratory
Darryl P. Butt, Boise State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-30-2010

Abstract

The reaction kinetics of ZrN and HfN immersed in a quaternary salt of composition of 28.5% LiCl-36.3% KCl- 29.4% NaCl- 5.8% UCl₃ (in weight percent) were assessed. Coupons of ZrN and HfN were exposed to the quaternary salt at 525 to 900°C for 4 to 485 hours. The reaction kinetics of the salt-refractory interactions were assessed through physical and microstructural characterization including scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and mass spectrometry. The results indicated that ZrN and HfN lose weight under all conditions investigated. While multiple mechanisms were evident, it is proposed that dissolution and oxidation were the dominant reactions that influence the weight loss. For the overall reaction, negative apparent activation energy values of -46 and -28 kJ/mol were observed in ZrN and HfN, respectively. This seemingly anomalous activation energy was associated with the simultaneous occurrence of electrochemical dissolution and surface oxide formation.

Publication Information

Periasamy, Prakash; Hurley, Michael F.; Marx, Brian M.; Simpson, Michael F.; and Butt, Darryl P.. (2010). "Compatibility of ZrN and HfN with Molten LiCl-KCl-NaCl-UCl₃". Journal of Nuclear Materials, 405(3), 266-273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2010.08.015