Compatibility of refractory metals and beryllium with molten Pb-17Li

The compatibility of V, Nb, Ta, Mo, W and Re with static eutectic mixture Pb-17Li was investigated experimentally. All these metals are very stable in the eutectic up to 600 degrees C. Dissolution rates as well as solubilities are low. Below 600 degrees C, a chemical reaction zone caused by initiation of an intergranular corrosion was observed. There was a strong isothermal mass transfer to the crucible wall. Diffusion coefficients for vanadium were calculated. They are in the expected range. The behaviour of beryllium is included in this paper for comparison. Diffusion coefficients were determined. In spite of low dissolution rates a strong intergranular corrosion causes destruction of this metal.