Liquid uranium corrosion studies of protective yttria coatings on tantalum substrate

Yttrium oxide has excellent thermodynamic and thermal stability, and also exhibits superior resistance to attack by various reactive metals, glass and slag at high temperature. Coupons with yttrium oxide coating on tantalum substrate with out bond coat were tested for compatibility against liquid uranium at 1573 K up to 80 h in vacuum. Optical microscopy and SEM/EDS investigations were done to evaluate the micro structural features of the coating and the liquid uranium attack. Experimental results show that yttrium oxide coating exhibits excellent corrosion resistance against liquid uranium at 1573 K.