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Article
Compatibility of ZrN and HfN with Molten LiCl-KCl-NaCl-UCl3
Journal of Nuclear Materials (2010)
  • Prakash Periasamy, Boise State University
  • Michael F. Hurley, Boise State University
  • Brian M. Marx, Boise State University
  • Michael F. Simpson, Idaho National Laboratory
  • Darryl P. Butt, Boise State University
Abstract
The reaction kinetics of ZrN and HfN immersed in a quaternary salt of composition of 28.5% LiCl-36.3% KCl- 29.4% NaCl- 5.8% UCl3 (in weight percent) were assessed. Coupons of ZrN and HfN were exposed to the quaternary salt at 525 to 900°C for 4 to 485 hours. The reaction kinetics of the salt-refractory interactions were assessed through physical and microstructural characterization including scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and mass spectrometry. The results indicated that ZrN and HfN lose weight under all conditions investigated. While multiple mechanisms were evident, it is proposed that dissolution and oxidation were the dominant reactions that influence the weight loss. For the overall reaction, negative apparent activation energy values of -46 and -28 kJ/mol were observed in ZrN and HfN, respectively. This seemingly anomalous activation energy was associated with the simultaneous occurrence of electrochemical dissolution and surface oxide formation.
Keywords
  • zirconium nitride,
  • hafnium nitride,
  • molten salt,
  • negative apparent activation energy
Publication Date
October 30, 2010
DOI
10.1016/j.jnucmat.2010.08.015
Citation Information
Prakash Periasamy, Michael F. Hurley, Brian M. Marx, Michael F. Simpson, et al.. "Compatibility of ZrN and HfN with Molten LiCl-KCl-NaCl-UCl3" Journal of Nuclear Materials Vol. 405 Iss. 3 (2010) p. 266 - 273
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/michael_hurley/4/