Use case: Understanding corrosion mechanisms in molten salts

Solar thermal power plants use molten salts as a medium for high-temperature storage and as heat transfer fluids. The materials used are subjected to complex and fluctuating mechanical, thermal, and chemical stresses that can lead to critical corrosion and degradation. To ensure reliable operation, the material’s resistance to these corrosion mechanisms in molten salts must be guaranteed. The corrosion mechanisms vary depending on the composition of the molten salt (nitrates, nitrites, chlorides). Additionally, high temperatures, dynamic loads, and residual stresses further compromise materials durability.

From a materials science perspective, it is therefore necessary to understand and be able to influence the behavior of the microstructure, the formation of corrosion products, and their impact on mechanical properties. To this end, the chemical and mechanical interactions between the materials and the molten salt under operating conditions are investigated.

Our research and development services for investigating corrosion mechanisms in molten salts

• Application of existing and development of new test methods for evaluating materials degradation in contact with molten salts.
• High-temperature corrosion tests under both static and dynamic conditions in flowing molten salts
• Conducting mechanical tests in corrosive salts at operating temperatures (e.g., SSRT, cyclic tests at 560°C or higher),
• Development and testing of protective coatings for cyclic thermo-corrosive stress,
• Development of customized test procedures.

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