Radiation Resistance of 0Cr18Ni9(AISI304) and 00Cr19Ni10(AISI304L)

The Comparison of the Radiation Resistance Performance of 0Cr18Ni9 (AISI304) and 00Cr19Ni10 (AISI304L)

Introduction

When it comes to radiation resistance, 0Cr18Ni9 (AISI304) and 00Cr19Ni10 (AISI304L) have a lot in common, such as similar grain structure, solid solution precipitation hardening and corrosion-resistant characteristic. But the 0Cr18Ni9 (AISI304) and the 00Cr19Ni10 (AISI304L) possess different properties of thermal expansion coefficients and sensitivity of hydrocarbon corrosion. Thus, their resistance to radiation varies too. In order to determine which steel has higher radiation resistance, this paper will explore and compare the radiation resistance performance of 0Cr18Ni9 (AISI304) and 00Cr19Ni10 (AISI304L).

AISI304

AISI304 is an austenitic stainless steel and is considered the most common stainless steel. It contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, along with a small amount of carbon. Austenitic stainless steel is comprised of austenite, a face centered cubic crystal structure. The structure provides the steel with good ductility, high tensile strength and resilience to oxidation and corrosion. In comparison to martensitic and ferritic stainless steels, AISI304 has higher corrosion resistance and heat resistance, but a lower strength. AISI304 has excellent cryogenic properties and performs well in temperatures up to 1000F (537C).

AISI304 has several properties that contribute to its resistance to radiation. Its structure changes very little after prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation. Furthermore, the steel exhibits good tensile strength and ductility. These qualities, combined with its corrosion and heat resistant properties, lend the steel excellent resistance to radiation damage.

AISI304L

AISI304L is slightly modified form AISI304. It contains 0.03%-0.08% carbon, which is noticeably less than AISI304. The lower carbon content of AISI304L resulted in a lower hardening rate. This makes AISI304L much more malleable than AISI304, but also reduces its strength and toughness.

AISI304L has similar properties to AISI304, aside from its modified carbon content. AISI304L possesses an increased sensitivity to hydrocarbon corrosion, which can reduce its resistance to radiation. Additionally, it exhibits a higher thermal expansion coefficient than AISI304. This further reduces AISI304Ls radiation resistance.

Comparison

When it comes to radiation resistance, AISI304 is generally superior than AISI304L. The lower carbon content and higher thermal expansion coefficient of AISI304L makes it more vulnerable to radiation damage. Additionally, the steels increased susceptibility to hydrocarbon corrosion can further reduce its resistance to radiation. On the other hand, the improved tensile strength and ductility of AISI304 makes it more resistant to radiation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the radiation resistance performance of 0Cr18Ni9 (AISI304) is higher than 00Cr19Ni10 (AISI304L). This is due to AISI304Ls lower carbon content and higher thermal expansion coefficient. Furthermore, the steels increased sensitivity to hydrocarbon corrosion can further reduce its resistance to radiation. AISI304, on the other hand, exhibits improved tensile strength and ductility that makes it more resistant to radiation damage.

Radiation Resistance of AISI304 and AISI304L

AISI304 and AISI304L are two austenitic stainless steel types that are often used in the construction of appliances, parts and components exposed to radiation. Both grades are characterized by good resistance to radiation, due to their high chromium and nickel content.

AISI304 is a Chromium-Nickel steel containing 18% Chromium and 8% Nickel. It is highly resistant to corrosion in oxidizing environments, but not so much to reducing ones. It is used extensively for shielding against radiation due to its good resistance to both mechanical impacts and radiation.

AISI 304L is a low-carbon version of the AISI304 grade, meaning that its chromium and nickel content are slightly lower but still within the stainless steel range. Its ability to resist radiation is similar to that of AISI304, but its low carbon content makes it appropriate for applications where carbon residuals may be a problem, such as weld areas.

Despite their similarities, the AISI304 and AISI304L differ in their radiation resistance. The lower carbon content of AISI304L makes it slightly less resistant to interstitial diffusion; a physical process that occurs when neutral particles are dislocated slowly through the material, leading to its embrittlement. This property of AISI304L means it is not suitable for applications subject to high levels of radiation.

In general, both AISI304 and AISI304L have similar radiation resistance; the latter being slightly inferior. As such, it is best to use the former for applications that involve exposure to high levels of radiation.