Wetting 12Cr18Ni10Ti and EK-173 reactor steels using a eutectic melt of PbBi and alloys of it with lithium

Abstract

Results from systematic experimental studies of the temperature dependences of the surface wetting of a number of EK-173, 12Cr18Ni9Тi, and 12Cr18Ni10Тi structural steels using liquid lead, bismuth, and a eutectic melt of PbBi with lithium under vacuum and/or an argon protective atmosphere. Critical wetting temperatures are found on the polytherms of the wetting of EK-173, 12Cr18Ni9Тi, and 12Cr18Ni10Тi steels using lead, bismuth, and a eutectic melt of PbBi under vacuum. It is shown that steel of EK-173 grade is more stable than 12Cr18Ni9Тi structural steel when in contact with a eutectic melt of PbBi at higher temperatures. Steel wetting is considerably higher under vacuum than in a protective argon atmosphere. Study of the wetting of 12Cr18Ni10Тi steel using liquid alloys of (PbBi)_eut with lithium revealed a tendency toward improved wetting of steel with higher lithium content in a eutectic melt of PbBi.