CORROSION OF THORIUM AND URANIUM UNDER STORAGE CONDITIONS

Technical Report · Tue Mar 21 04:00:00 EST 1961

OSTI ID:4033389

Stephan, E F; Miller, P D; Fink, F W

Thorium, uranium, and uranium- 10 wt.% molybdenumalloy specimens in the form of bare and organic- or metalcoated single coupons and composite assemblies joined by soldering, welding, or the use of machine screws were evaluated for corrosion resistance in accelerated and long-term tests providing exposure to ambient, humidity. salt-spray. and humidity-freezing conditions. Environments involving high humidity or a salt fog caused a localized type of attack on all the materials. The uranium-10 wt.% molybdenum alloy was most durable. Thorium was fairly resistant. The uranium became badly pitted and roughened under almost all conditions studied. The vinyl-type organic coatings blistered during the exposures, particularly when applied to uranium. Aluminum coatings on uranium behaved similarly. Nickel coatings plated on thorium showed excellent resistance. No galvanic effects were observed in couples preparsd from dissimilar metals, even at crevice areas and mating surfaces on specimens joined by machine screws. (auth)

• Research Organization: Battelle Memorial Inst., Columbus, Ohio
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-92
• NSA Number: NSA-15-015993
• OSTI ID: 4033389
• Report Number(s): BMI-1507
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ALUMINUM
COATING
CORROSION
FREEZING
HUMIDITY
MACHINE PARTS
MATERIALS TESTING
METALS, CERAMICS, AND OTHER MATERIALS
MOLYBDENUM ALLOYS
NICKEL
SALTS
SOLDERING
SPUTTERING
THORIUM
URANIUM
URANIUM ALLOYS
VINYL RADICALS
WELDING