CORROSION OF THORIUM AND URANIUM DURING LONG-TERM STORAGE
Thorium, uranium, and uranium-10 wt% molybdenum alloy, bare and organic- or metal-coated coupons, and composite assemblies, joined by soldering, welding, or machine screws, were evaluated for corrosion behavior during storage for at least 1 year uncovered and in loosely covered metal containers under ambient conditions in a waterfront building at Daytona Beach, Florida, in an unheated warehouse, and on a rooftop at Columbus, Ohio. In general, the samples exposed at the Florida site exhibited slightly more attack, but in no case was severe corrosion encountered. The uranium-10 wt% molybdenum alloy was most durable, displaying a relatively uniform tarnish film. Thorium samples darkened and exhibited some nodular growth along with white corrosion products at isolated areas. Uranium samples also darkened, and some were covered with black nodules. Random pits, up to 1.6 mils deep were detected on uranium samples. There was no indication of crevice or galvanic-couple corrosion in any of the dissimilar metal combinations studied. Of the protective coatings, nickel coatings on thorium were found to be very resistant to corrosion. Vinyl-type coatings blistered on uranium, but not on thorium. Aluminum coatings blistered on uramium. It was concluded that protective coatings would be required to insure complete protection of thorium and uranium. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Battelle Memorial Inst., Columbus, Ohio
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-92
- NSA Number:
- NSA-16-025713
- OSTI ID:
- 4803561
- Report Number(s):
- BMI-1563
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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