Investigation of corrosion behaviour on Ni–Cr–Co and Ni–Cr–Mo alloys exposed to molten salt for thermal energy storage applications

Abstract

This research mainly focuses on selecting phase change materials (PCM) and container materials for next-generation concentrated solar power plants (CSP). The present study investigates the hot corrosion behaviour of Inconel 617 and 625 in Na₂SO₄ + 45 wt-% diatomite PCM environment at 800°C for 40, 80 and 120 h. Oxide scales developed on the alloy surfaces were examined by Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to study morphology and oxide phases. The result indicates that Inconel 617 and 625 weight changes were 1.239 and 0.925 mg cm⁻² at 800°C for a maximum duration of 120 h. The dense oxide of Cr₂O₃ is formed on alloys 617 and 625, which gives better oxidation resistance in a PCM environment. Moreover, the Inconel 625 shows lesser weight gain compared to Inconel 617 due to the presence of higher wt-% of Cr in the alloy and Nb formation oxides reducing corrosion species diffusion rate.