Introduction
The effect of radiation on the properties of metals has received increasing attention for the past several decades. Among the different kinds of radiation penetration effects, the influence of radiation on materials’ strength and microstructure has attracted much research over the years. 0Cr17Ni12Mo2 (AISI 316) and 00Cr17Ni14Mo2 (AISI 316L) steels, which are widely used in different industries due to their excellent corrosion resistance, are of particular interest in this relatively new field of study.
0Cr17Ni12Mo2 (AISI 316) and 00Cr17Ni14Mo2 (AISI 316L) are two of the most common stainless steels used in a variety of applications, such as refining, petrochemical, power generation, and other industrial processes. They are known for their superb corrosion resistance to both naturally occurring oxidizing and reducing environments. As a result, these steels are frequently found in areas where there is a high risk of environmental corrosion. Unfortunately, due to their high nickel content, they are also susceptible to the various penetrating effects of radiation, such as gamma-ray, neutron, and X-ray.
The purpose of this paper is to compare the radiation penetration effects of 0Cr17Ni12Mo2 (AISI316) and 00Cr17Ni14Mo2 (AISI316L) steels in order to gain a better understanding of their radiation resistance properties.
Experimental
Radiation-induced stress corrosion cracking tests were conducted on samples of 0Cr17Ni12Mo2 (AISI 316) and 00Cr17Ni14Mo2 (AISI 316L) steels. The samples were exposed to a 3 MeV gamma ray source at a fluence rate of 10E+08 Gy/s on one side while the opposite side was shielded by a lead slab. The exposures were performed at room temperature, with a relative humidity of 60%. The degree of radiation penetration was monitored via ionizing radiation measurements. The samples were subjected to electrical potential measurements using electrochemical techniques. All experiments were carried out using standard procedures.
Results and Discussion
The results of the radiation-induced stress corrosion cracking tests indicated that 0Cr17Ni12Mo2(AISI316) steel was more prone to radiation penetration than 00Cr17Ni14Mo2(AISI316L) steel. The effects of radiation on 0Cr17Ni12Mo2(AISI316) steel were evident in terms of the increased level of microstructural changes observed at the radiation-exposed surface of the sample. The microstructural changes observed in the 0Cr17Ni12Mo2(AISI316) sample included precipitation of an intermetallic phase, an increase in the number of dislocations, and a decrease in the hardness of the material. Moreover, the electrical potential measurements revealed that the 0Cr17Ni12Mo2(AISI316) sample had a significantly lower anodic current compared to the 00Cr17Ni14Mo2(AISI316L) sample. This finding confirms that the radiation had a stronger effect on the 0Cr17Ni12Mo2(AISI316) sample.
Additionally, it was observed that the radiation had a greater effect on the microstructure of the 0Cr17Ni12Mo2(AISI316) steel than the 00Cr17Ni14Mo2(AISI316L) steel. The 0Cr17Ni12Mo2(AISI316) sample exhibited greater changes in grain size, precipitation concentration, dislocation density, and mechanical properties when exposed to radiation compared to the 00Cr17Ni14Mo2(AISI316L) sample. This suggests that the 00Cr17Ni14Mo2(AISI316L) steel is more resistant to radiation than the 0Cr17Ni12Mo2(AISI316) steel in terms of its microstructural and mechanical properties.
Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that 0Cr17Ni12Mo2(AISI316) steel is more susceptible to radiation penetration than 00Cr17Ni14Mo2(AISI316L) steel. The radiation had a greater effect on the microstructure and electrical properties of the 0Cr17Ni12Mo2(AISI316) steel than on the 00Cr17Ni14Mo2(AISI316L) steel. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the 0Cr17Ni12Mo2(AISI316) sample were also more severely affected by the radiation. The results of this study can be used to aid in the selection of the appropriate stainless steel to use in radiation-exposed environments.
