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Compatibility of Boron Carbide with Potential AOMR Control Rod Cladding Materials

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4084249· OSTI ID:4084249
 [1]
  1. North American Aviation, Inc., Canoga Park, CA (United States). Atomics International Div.

The solid state compatibility of boron carbides with commercial copper, Types 304 and 430 stainless steels, and AISI 4130 steel, for potential control rod application, were investigated at 750, 950, 1100, and 1300° F, for periods of commercial copper and Type 430 stainless steel to be compatible with boron carbide at 1300° F for 10,000 hr. Type 304 stainless steel was compatible with B4C for 10,000 hr at 1100° F, but not at 1300° F. There were no reactions observed in the AISI 4130 steel for 10,000 hr at 750° F; but a very hard reaction zone, which increased in width from 1 mil at 950° F to 10 mils at 1300° F, was observed. The phase formed in the AISI 4130 steel was identified, by x-ray diffraction, to be primarily Fe2B. The activation energy for the growth of this phase was calculated to be about 38 kcal/mole.

Research Organization:
North American Aviation, Inc., Canoga Park, CA (United States). Atomics International Div.
Sponsoring Organization:
US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
DOE Contract Number:
AT(11-1)-GEN-8
NSA Number:
NSA-18-014371
OSTI ID:
4084249
Report Number(s):
NAA-SR--8702
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English