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Type 304 stainless steel with 0. 5% boron for storage of spent nuclear fuel

Journal Article · · J. Met.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03354517· OSTI ID:6654932
For many years, Type 304 stainless steel with 1 to 2 wt. % boron has been used for control rods and thermal shielding of nuclear reactors, and for spent-fuel storage racks. There is current interest in Type 304 with 0.5 to 0.7% boron for the latter application; this paper presents a metallurgical evaluation at 0.53% boron. As measured by Gleeble hot tensile testing, strength of the alloy is no more than 25% higher than standard 304, but ductility is reduced over the 900 to 1180/sup 0/C range and hence would require special care in hot working. A uniform density and concentration of particles occur at grain boundaries which are 1 or 6 microns, and which analyze approx. 50% chromium via EDAX/SEM. From the electrochemical measurements, it is apparent that Type 304 with 0.53% boron is susceptible to intergranular attack. In non-sensitized specimens, the presence of boride particles may either accelerate intergranular corrosion or tend to suppress it, depending upon the environment.
OSTI ID:
6654932
Journal Information:
J. Met.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Met.; (United States) Vol. 32:12; ISSN JOMTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English