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Segregation of lutetium and yttrium to grain boundaries in iridium alloys

Journal Article · · Acta Materialia
; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States). Metals and Ceramics Div.
  2. Auburn Univ., AL (United States). Materials Engineering Program

The equilibrium segregation of lutetium and yttrium to grain boundaries in iridium alloys containing 0.3 wt% tungsten was studied. The segregation level of Lu decreased with increasing annealing temperature whereas that of Y initially increased with increasing temperature but then decreased with further increases in temperature. At all temperatures, Y segregated more strongly than lutetium. The observed segregation behavior of the two dopants was explained on the basis of their free energies of segregation and solid solubilities, and the solvus lines for Lu and Y were obtained from the results. Energies of segregation and energies of solution for Lu and Y in the iridium alloy were also determined. Iridium alloys containing nominally 0.3 wt% W, 60 wppm Th and 50 wppm Al are used to clad the plutonia fuel pellets used in radioisotope thermoelectric generators for space power applications.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-96OR22464
OSTI ID:
599857
Journal Information:
Acta Materialia, Journal Name: Acta Materialia Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 46; ISSN 1359-6454; ISSN ACMAFD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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