Tellurium segregation-induced intergranular corrosion of GH3535 alloys in molten salt

The catastrophic intergranular cracking had been observed in the low-Cr alloy components in the primary loop of molten salt reactor. Such cracking was related to the coupling effect of fission product tellurium (Te) and fuel salts, whose atomic-level mechanism has puzzled researchers for many decades. In this work, combining multiscale characterization techniques and theoretical calculations, it was found that Te segregation at grain boundaries can reduce the diffusion barrier of active element along grain boundaries and cause the nano-voids, which further evolve into the intergranular cracking.

Automated summary

Te segregation at grain boundaries reduces diffusion barrier and creates nano-voids, leading to intergranular cracking.