Erosion-Corrosion of Tantalum in Different pH Solutions

What is it about?

The study investigates the effect of pH and impact angle on the erosion-corrosion behavior of pure Tantalum using corrosive slurry solutions containing 7 wt% SiC as erodent particles. Tests were conducted using an impinging jet erosion-corrosion apparatus. Results show that there is a marked reduction in corrosion resistance and a significant cathodic shift in the E Corr values for all pH values under particle bombardment conditions. The erosion-corrosion rate was higher at 30° impact angle compared to 90° and was also higher at pH 4 compared to pH 7 and pH 10. The study concludes that there is a diminution in the E Corr values and hence in the corrosion resistance of Ta under particle bombardment conditions.

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Why is it important?

The research on the erosion-corrosion behavior of pure Tantalum (Ta) is important because Tantalum is a material commonly used in spallation targets for neutron scattering facilities. However, these targets are experiencing premature failures, which significantly reduce their operation life. This study aims to investigate the effect of pH and impact angles on the slurry erosion-corrosion behavior of pure Tantalum, which can help understand the reasons behind the premature failures. Key Takeaways: 1. The corrosion resistance of Ta was markedly diminished under particle bombardment conditions. 2. The erosion-corrosion rate was higher at 30° impact angle than at 90° impact angle, and the rate was higher at pH 4 than at pH 7 and pH 10. 3. The study found typical ductile erosion mechanisms of material removal, consisting of micro-cutting and plastic deformation resulting in lip formation.