NSERC/UNENE Industrial Research Chair in Corrosion control and materials performance in nuclear power systems

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The materials used in nuclear power plants must withstand extremes of temperature, stress, radiation and chemical environment. This IRC programme addresses the degradation mechanisms of metallic alloys, with particular emphasis on the combined action of stress and corrosion, which can lead to stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Huge strides have been made in the prevention and management of corrosion and SCC in nuclear power systems, but much remains to be understood. In particular, we are always concerned about the possibility of delayed onset of degradation. This necessitates an understanding of the microscopic details of how corrosion events and cracks get started. Most of the materials we study are alloys, and every alloying element can affect corrosion and SCC. A topical issue is the performance of Alloy 800, which is a kind of stainless steel, but with higher content of nickel and chromium than the ordinary kitchen-sink variety. Small buttons of lab-melted alloys will be used alongside commercial alloys to explore the detailed dependence of corrosion behaviour on alloy composition. Two of the water impurities to be studied are sulfur and lead, which have distinct but analogous effects on corrosion. The IRC programme will also address a number of other corrosion issues, with some flexibility as industry needs evolve. Advances in microscopy and small-scale chemical analysis have greatly advanced our understanding of SCC. The electron microscopy facility at McMaster University has been an invaluable resource, and collaboration will continue. But now the University of Toronto has acquired a state-of-the-art facility, OCCAM, for microscopy and chemical analysis at the nanoscale. This resource will play a key role in the renewed IRC programme