A review of degradation behavior of container materials for disposal of high-level nuclear waste in tuff and alternative repository environments
Corrosion resistance of materials in aqueous system is reviewed from the perspective of their suitability as container materials for nuclear waste. A discussion of the chemistry and characterization of repository environments, namely, tuff and alternative environments (shale, limestone, and carbonate), is followed by a description of corrosion mechanisms. In this review, emphasis is placed on localized corrosion (e.g., stress corrosion cracking, crevice corrosion, and pitting) because localized corrosion is difficult to account for in design of components, but it is the life-limiting factor for many metallic and nonmetallic systems. The physical metallurgy and microstructure of the potential alloys are briefly described because they provide insight into both the mechanisms of various localized corrosion processes and possible solutions to corrosion problems. A survey of localized corrosion behavior of potential candidate materials as determined by both corrosion and mechanical test in a large number of repository-related environments is presented in order to determine the most promising materials for a given environment. These studies include the effects of various environmental factors (such as pH, temperature, and electrochemical potentials), as well as alloying elements and other microstructural parameters, on corrosion. The modifications of the environment induced by gamma radiation and the stability of the microstructure under gamma irradiation are also described. Although in the majority of cases the tests and the environments used are severe, they point out that metallic materials are generally more promising than nonmetallic materials (ceramic and polymeric materials). 122 refs., 61 figs., 19 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 137537
- Report Number(s):
- ANL-89/14; ON: DE90000916; TRN: 89:027888
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Jun 1989
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
22 NUCLEAR REACTOR TECHNOLOGY
YUCCA MOUNTAIN
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
CONTAINERS
CORROSION
UNDERGROUND DISPOSAL
MATERIALS
TUFF
SANDSTONES
SHALES
CARBONATES
GROUND WATER
GAMMA RADIATION
SERVICE LIFE
COPPER
COPPER ALLOYS
STAINLESS STEELS
METALLURGY
OXIDATION
CRACKING
STRESSES
DECOMPOSITION
Yucca Mountain Project