TELLURIUM EMBRITTLEMENT OF TYPE-316 STEEL

The effect of molten tellurium and tellurium/caesium mixtures on the mechanical properties of Type 316 steel have been assessed at temperatures between 460 and 800 ° C using slow and fast strain rates. Tellurium embrittled the steel at temperatures above 600 ° C and this was associated with extensive chemical interaction and grain boundary penetration. At 600 ° C, the addition of even 2% of caesium caused tellurium to embrittle the steel severely. Similarities to zinc embrittlement exist that suggest tellurium also degrades by a two step process, with cracks being initiated due to the chemical interaction but propagating because of surface energy reductions. © 1990 Chapman and Hall Ltd.