CORROSION OF CADMIUM-STAINLESS STEEL COUPLES

This report examines the possibility of cadmium corrosion, which could initiate a critical accident in the NS Savannah Refueling Barge. The corrosion of cadmium, in metallic coupled with stainless steel, by the introduction of various electrolytes was studied for over 300 hours at both room temperature and 75 to 85 C. Boric acid solution (2.55 g/l) was found to be the most corrosive medium for cadmium. Synthetic sea water had a significant effect on both members of the couple. The sodium hydroxide solution corroded both members of the couple by half that of synthetic sea water alone. Borax (4 g/l) and deionized water solutions were the least corrosive. With increased exposure the electromotive force increased and the current decreased between the cadmium anode and stainless steel cathode. The final voltages were about 0.55, and increase of 50 millivolts, and the final current was about 20 microamperes, a decrease of 30 microamperes. On the basis of these experiments the use of boric acid for extended periods of time is not suitable in a stainless steel cadmium system. (Author)

  • Supplemental Notes:
    • This document is available for review at the Department of Commerce Library, Main Commerce Building, Washington, D.C., under reference number BAW-1210.
  • Corporate Authors:

    Babcock and Wilcox Company

    Atomic Energy Division
    Lynchburg, VA  United States  24504
  • Authors:
    • Shaw, H
  • Publication Date: 1960-9

Media Info

  • Features: References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 12 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00026306
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Maritime Administration
  • Report/Paper Numbers: BAW-1210
  • Contract Numbers: AT(30-3)-274
  • Files: TRIS, USDOT
  • Created Date: May 4 1973 12:00AM