Environmental degradation of electroplated nickel and copper coated SS316H in molten FLiNaK salt

Corrosion of nickel and copper electroplated coatings on SS316H in molten FLiNaK salt was studied. 500- and 1000-hour static corrosion tests were performed in molten FLiNaK at 700 degrees Celsius. Characterization of the coatings following corrosion indicated that they did not degrade in the molten salt during the corrosion experiment and fully protected the underlying SS316H from chromium dissolution. Interdiffusion between the copper coating and SS316H was extremely limited, interdiffusion between the nickel coating and SS316H. Diffusion modelling revealed that the nickel coatings still significantly reduced chromium dissolution over 60 years despite the interdiffusion.

Automated summary

The corrosion of nickel and copper electroplated coatings on SS316H in molten FLiNaK salt was studied at 700 degrees Celsius. The coatings were found to effectively protect SS316H from chromium dissolution, with limited interdiffusion between the coatings and the SS316H. Diffusion modelling showed that the nickel coatings significantly reduced chromium dissolution over 60 years despite some interdiffusion.