High Temperature Oxidation of Metals

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In many applications, metal alloys depend on the formation of chromium and/or aluminum oxide(s) to provide corrosion protection. For example, the formation of a chromium oxide is what makes stainless steel “stainless”. The analogous formation of a protective aluminum oxide is required for many high temperature applications in environments containing oxygen and/or steam. Some examples include: heating elements in furnaces, automobile catalytic converters, gas turbines, and current and future energy systems. The proposed “High Temperature Oxidation of Metals” program seeks to perform novel research evaluating corrosion/oxidation resistance of metal alloys used for these applications, and to progress the scientific field, where significant knowledge gaps still exist. A multi-disciplinary approach will be applied to train highly qualified personnel (HQP), incorporating modern microscopy, corrosion science and metallurgy. While extensive research has been done evaluating high temperature (800 ºC and above) oxidation of metal alloys in oxygen and air, there has been limited work in steam environments. This is of concern given that the aforementioned applications involve exposure to steam. In addition, research is needed at intermediate temperatures (300 ºC to 800 ºC), where current and future energy systems are expected to operate. The proposed program targets these knowledge gaps, particularly important to scientists in the field and the energy industry. The practical importance of the proposed scientific research is evident from the near-disaster at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear station in 2011; this event was due to the lack of oxidation resistance in a core component at high temperatures during a loss of coolant accident. This program incorporates projects specifically aiming to evaluate and aid development of metal alloys for accident scenarios in high temperature environments in nuclear power plants.Novel research from this program will advance understanding of high temperature oxidation of aluminum and chromium containing metal alloys in steam. In parallel, potential materials degradation modes can be studied in this environment by applying advanced microscopy methods to study materials at the atomic scale. HQP will learn to use specialized high temperature experimental equipment and advanced microscopes, gaining multi-disciplinary skills applicable to many industries such as nuclear, natural gas, semiconductor, automotive, and aerospace. Finally, this program will positively impact Canadians as advanced high temperature materials are needed for future energy systems, to increase thermal efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Also, this program aims to aid in development of metal alloys for accident scenarios in nuclear power plants, addressing safety concerns amongst Canadians and internationally since the near-disaster at Fukushima Daiichi.