Design and evaluation of super-heat-resisting Nb-based and Mo-based alloys

Morinaga, Masahiko*; not registered; not registered; not registered; Inoue, Satoshi*

[PURPOSE] In order to develop the frontier domain of technique for the high temperature liquid alkali metal, candidate Nb-based and Mo-based alloys are needed. They are needed to have excellent compatibility with liquid Li (max. 1200C) and super-heat-resistance. In this study, alloy design using a d-electrons alloy theory and estimation of designed alloy were performed. [EXPERIMENTAL METHODS] (1)Workability : A bend test was carried out with the provisionally designed Mo-based alloys, but by modifying the compositions by adding intergranular strengthening elements, Ti, B, C, Hf, into them to improve the ductility. (2)Corrosion resistance to liquid Li : The provisionally desingned Nb-based alloys were immersed in liquid Li at 1200C for three hundred hours, and the weight change due to the corrosion was measured. The corrosion surface was also analyzed using SEM and EPMA. In addition, a similar corrosion test was carried out with binary Nb-based and Mo-based alloys. (3)Embrittlement at 800C : A series of experiments such as the hardness test, X-ray analysis and microstructure observation was perfomed with the Nb-1Zr alloy which was creep-tested at 800C or 1200C. Also, a Nb-1Zr alloy specimen which was not creep-tested, was used as a reference specimen. [RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS] (1)Workability : The Ti addition into the Mo-based alloys was effective in improving workability. The brittleness of Mo may be caused by the existence of oxygen in the grain boundaries, so that the formation of Ti oxides probably weakened the oxygen effect, resulting in the better workability of the alloy. However, B, C and Hf additions into Mo-based alloys never improved the workability. (2)Corrosion resistance to liquid Li : Many cracks were observed on the corroded surface of the provisionally designed Nb-based alloys despite the addition of a corrosion resistant element, Hf, into them. In paticular, such cracks were developed ...