AFM and MFM characterization of oxide layers grown on stainless steels in lead bismuth eutectic

Fast reactors and spallation neutron sources may use lead bismuth eutectic (LBE) as a coolant. Its thermal physical and neutronic properties make it a high performance nuclear coolant and spallation target. The main disadvantage of LBE is that it is corrosive to most steels and container materials. Active control of oxygen in LBE will allow the growth of protective oxides on steels to mitigate corrosion. To understand corrosion and oxidation of candidate materials in this environment and to establish a solid scientific basis the surface structure, composition, and properties should be investigated carefully at the smallest scale. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful tool to map out properties and structure on surfaces of virtually any material. This paper is a summary of the results from AFM measurements on ferritic/martensitic (HT-9) and austenitic (D9) steels that are candidates for liquid metal cooled reactors.