A STUDY OF THE COMPATIBILITY OF THERMIONIC CONVERTER MATERIALS WITH CAESIUM
The reasons for the current interest in thermionic energy conversion devices in the field of nuclear energy are briefly outlined. In a cesium thermionic device the proble of corrosion of the constructional materials by cesium is of prime importance. A method was devised for carrying out compatibility tests in cesium vapor and investigatioms at temperatures up to 600 deg C are described. The materials studied include metals and ceramics likely to be employed in a thermionic converter device, and it is shown that in many cases severe corrosion can occur at temperatures as low as 300 deg C. Particular attention is paid to the behavior of metal-ceramic seal assemblies where the choice of materials, particularly the metallizing and brazing components, is of great importance. Most conventional commercially available seals are not entirely satisfactory and are unlikely to be suitable for prolonged use at temperatures in the region of 600 deg C. It was concluded that it may prove necessary to develop new methods of sealing high purity alumina to metals before the full potential of the thermionic converter can be realized. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Plessey Co. Ltd., Towcester, Northants, Eng.
- NSA Number:
- NSA-18-007153
- OSTI ID:
- 4118181
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Nuclear Materials (Netherlands), Journal Name: Journal of Nuclear Materials (Netherlands) Vol. Vol: 10; ISSN JNUMA
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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