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 andchemical environment. This IRC programme addresses the degradation mechanisms of metallic alloys, withparticular 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 powersystems, but much remains to be understood. In particular, we are always concerned about the possibility ofdelayed onset of degradation. This necessitates an understanding of the microscopic details of how corrosionevents and cracks get started. Most of the materials we study are alloys, and every alloying element can affectcorrosion and SCC. A topical issue is the performance of Alloy 800, which is a kind of stainless steel, but withhigher content of nickel and chromium than the ordinary kitchen-sink variety. Small buttons of lab-meltedalloys will be used alongside commercial alloys to explore the detailed dependence of corrosion behaviour onalloy composition. Two of the water impurities to be studied are sulfur and lead, which have distinct butanalogous effects on corrosion. The IRC programme will also address a number of other corrosion issues, withsome 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 collaborationwill continue. But now the University of Toronto has acquired a state-of-the-art facility, OCCAM, formicroscopy and chemical analysis at the nanoscale. This resource will play a key role in the renewed IRCprogramme