Oxidation and Mechanical Behaviour of Iron Based Alloys and Nickel Based Alloy for Spring Like Interconnects of the PRODHYGE High Temperature Electrolyser

摘要

In the field of the ANR-PROD'HYGE project an original coaxial architecture for a High Temperature Electrolyser (French Atomic Energy Commission Patented) is studied which makes use of low-cost spring-like interconnects to cope with thermal dilatation. Components and materials used for this application must ensure high long-term chemical and mechanical stability which are investigated here. Oxidation resistance of EN 1.4509 and CroFer22APUI iron based alloy as well as Haynes 230 nickel based alloy is investigated with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in humid conditions, with or without mixing with hydrogen. Experiments reveal that oxidation kinetics is increased by 30% volume of hydrogen in moisture. Oxide layer composition and morphology are then investigated using Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), and Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES). Preliminary tensile tests are performed at room temperature showing embrittlement due to rough oxide layer, and CroFer22APU softening due to grain growth at elevated temperature.