The Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide on the Corrosion Dynamics of Carbon Steel

Kwang Soak Gabriel O'Donnell, The University of Western Ontario

Abstract

The Used Fuel Container (UFC) is a key barrier in Canada’s nuclear fuel disposal plan. Understanding the radiation-induced corrosion of the carbon steel (CS) vessel is critical for predicting the long-term integrity of the UFC. Developing a mechanistic understanding of CS corrosion and the effect of solution parameters is essential.

This work investigates the effects of H₂O₂, the key radiolytic oxidant, on CS corrosion dynamics in small, stagnant solutions. Elementary processes are identified, corrosion rates are calculated, and the effects of H₂O₂ concentration are investigated. Corrosion was studied by quantifying the concentrations of H₂O₂, dissolved iron, pH, and surface morphology evolution as a function of time. Results show that corrosion progresses through different kinetic stages and their rates change drastically with solution parameters.

This project improves the fundamental understanding of CS corrosion and will support the development of a high-fidelity corrosion model for CS in the anticipated UFC environments.