Neutron absorber materials (NAMs) are used for criticality control in spent fuel pools (SFPs). An aluminum-clad, aluminum/boron carbide cermet core, is a common NAM material. The corrosion performance of clad and core components of this NAM over both long-term-service at nominal pool chemistry/temperature conditions, and over short-term, off-normal transients were evaluated. This NAM material obtained from the Zion Nuclear Power Plant following 22 years of service in the SFP were physically characterized and were prepared as specimens for electrochemical testing at nominal and off-normal water chemistry conditions. The surface conditions of the cladding were also tested: i) as a freshly ground (initial oxide-free) surface; and ii) a condition following up to several weeks of water immersion during which an attendant oxide film formed. The exposed cermet core was also tested to evaluate corrosion behavior in the postulated case of de-clad material. The testing, testing results, and evaluation of material response to expected long-term and hypothetical transient water chemistry and temperature conditions are presented.

Subject
Test methods, Water, Materials, Carbides, Corrosion rate, Aluminum, Electrochemical testing, Water chemistry, Boron, Activation energy, Solutions, Oxide surfaces, Immersion
Keywords:
neutron absorber material, aluminum-boron carbide cermet, spent fuel pool, Zion Nuclear Power Plant
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2021
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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