Microstructure Evolution and Molten Salt Corrosion Resistance Dependent on Pre-Oxidation Treatment of NiAl Coatings

The chloride-infused molten salt shows the most potential as the medium for the upcoming generation of concentrated solar power system. However, the molten salt put for ward higher corrosion resistance demand on the critical components of concentrated solar power system. The application of NiAl coating proves to be a highly efficient method for preventing corrosion. In this paper, the microstructure, adhesion, and corrosion resistance of NiAl coatings on 310S stainless steel with/without pre-oxidation treatment were studied. The coating predominantly consisted of β-NiAl phase nanocrystals with an Al content of 41.0 at.%. Continuous α-Al2O3 oxide film was formed and no obvious cracks were observed after pre-oxidation. The adhesion strength of NiAl coating was increased by about 70% to 40.0 N through pre-oxidation. Importantly, the corrosion results of NiAl coatings by pre-oxidation treatment in the mixed salt of NaCl/MgCl2/KCl at 1073.15 K for 10 h showed no obvious diffusion of molten salt elements into the coatings. Compared to 310S stainless steel, the pre-oxidized coating sample exhibited a significant reduction of 50.2% in corrosion mass loss. The pre-oxidation of the NiAl coating creates an Al2O3 oxidation layer that effectively blocks corrosion, offering a new method for protecting stainless steels in concentrated solar power system plants.