Corrosion of Copper-Based Materials in Gamma-Irradiated Air/Water Vapor Systems

Abstract Experiments were performed to investigate the atmospheric corrosion of copper-based materials in an irradiated air/water vapor system. The three materials investigated were oxygen-free copper (CDA-102), 7% aluminum-bronze (CDD-613), and 70-30 cupronickel (CDA-715). To support the corrosion studies, a number of irradiation studies were performed to characterize the gas phase radiation chemistry of the system. Both copper oxide and nitrate phases were identified as corrosion products depending on the dose rate, humidity and temperature. Uniform corrosion rates increased with temperature, humidity, and dose rate. A clear tie between the radiolytic products generated in the gas phase and the corrosion observed was established.