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 8000C using slow and fast strain rates. Tellurium embrittled the steel at temperatures above 6000C and this was associated with extensive chemical interaction and grain boundary penetration. At 6000C, 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. (author)