Nuclear Engineering and Technology

Korean Nuclear Society (한국원자력학회)
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Performance evaluation of plasma nitrided 316L stainless steel during long term high temperature sodium exposure

  • Akash Singh (Metallurgy & Materials Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research) ;
  • R. Thirumurugesan (Metallurgy & Materials Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research) ;
  • S. Krishnakumar (Reactor Design and Technology Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research Centre) ;
  • Revati Rani (Materials Science Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research) ;
  • S. Chandramouli (Reactor Design and Technology Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research Centre) ;
  • P. Parameswaran (Formerly with Metallurgy & Materials Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research) ;
  • R. Mythili (Metallurgy & Materials Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research)
  • Received : 2022.02.14
  • Accepted : 2022.12.16
  • Published : 2023.04.25
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Abstract

Enhancement of wear resistance of components used in fast reactors is necessary for long service life of the components. Plasma nitriding is a promising surface modification technology to impart high hardness and improved wear resistance of various steel components. This study discusses the characterization of chrome nitrided SS316L casing ring used in secondary sodium pump of fast breeder reactor and its stability under long term sodium exposure. Microstructural and hardness analysis showed that stress relieved component could be chrome nitrided successfully to a thickness of about 100 ㎛. Assessment of in-sodium performance of the chrome nitrided casing ring subjected to long term exposure up to 5000h at 550℃, showed retention of chrome nitrided layer with a case depth almost similar to that before sodium exposure. A slight decrease in the hardness was observed due to prolonged high temperature sodium exposure. Tribological studies indicate very low coefficient of friction indicating the retention of good wear resistance of the coating even after long term sodium exposure.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors thank Dr. T. N. Prasanthi for her help in EPMA studies, Dr. Arup Dasgupta, Head, PMD, IGCAR, Dr. S. Raju, former Director, MMG, Dr. R. Divakar, Director, MMG and Dr. B.Venkatraman, Director, IGCAR, for their constant encouragement and motivation in the course of the present work.

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