Electrochemical and radiochemical investigations on niobium and tantalum with regard their suitability as materials in nuclear energy power under special consideration of corrosion

Niobium and tantalum are metals of increasing interest and with growing industrial importance. The reason for this are their attractive characteristics and range of possible applications as well as at their better availability in recent years. The most important characteristics of these elements are the exceptionally high corrosion resistance and the ability to absorb hydrogen. The suitability of niobium and tantalum as materials for power generation form nuclear fission and nuclear fusion was examined. Radiochemical, electrochemical and photoelectrochemical methods were used for the investigation of the corrosion resistance. Low wear rates can also be defined reliably with the radiochemical method. This is valid especially in such cases in which the usual gravimetric technique reaches its limits. (orig./BBR)