Unveiling the dual role of ion irradiation on the corrosion behavior of lean-Cr FeCrAl alloys in a simulated PWR environment

This study focuses on the synergistic effect of ion irradiation and corrosion on FeCrAl alloys with lean-Cr content (7–10 wt%) and with 13 wt% Cr. Upon subjecting unirradiated, 1-dpa, and 5-dpa samples to a simulated PWR environment for 15 days, it is found that irradiation alters the distribution of outer oxide particles and the composition of inner oxide layer. Our results emphasize the dual role of irradiation, depending on the perspective considered: It suppresses overall corrosion while promoting localized corrosion. Cr content effect on the resistance to irradiation-corrosion coupling is also discussed.