Compatibility of structural candidate materials with LiF–BeF2 molten salt mixture

Compatibility of structural materials such as JLF-1 (Fe–9Cr–2W), vanadium alloys (e.g., V–5Cr–5Ti) and SiC with Flibe (LiF–BeF2) is a key issue for the force-free helical reactor (FFHR) blanket concept. In the present study, the corrosion behavior of SUS430 (Fe–18Cr) and SiC in static Flibe was investigated as a first step. After being dipped in Flibe containing a trace of HF at 550°C for 1 day, 3 days and 10 days, specimens were analyzed by X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS). It was found that SUS430 specimens formed an oxide layer on the surface. However, it was not clear whether the SiC specimens were corroded or not due to a thick deposit.