Effect of yttrium content on the corrosion behaviour of nickel-based UNS N10003 alloy in high-temperature molten LiF-NaF-KF salt

Abstract The corrosion behavior of nickel-based UNS N10003 alloy with different yttrium contents in molten fluoride salt environment was investigated. The results showed that after an 800 oC/1000 h corrosion test, the alloy contained 0.05% yttrium experienced the least weight loss than other alloys without/with higher yttrium contents. Microstructure, surface micro-chemistry analysis indicated that a YF3 and Y2O3 mixed layer formed in the near surface region for this specific alloy. The retardation of active element dissolution because of the present of YF3 was suggested to be the main reason for its superior corrosion resistance in the molten salt environment.