Corrosion of Cold Sprayed Copper in a Gaseous Hydrogen Sulfide Environment

Abstract

The corrosion of cold-sprayed copper was investigated with a gaseous mixture of 100 ppm H₂S in N₂. Exposure of both preoxidized and pristine samples was performed, and the resulting sulfide film was characterized using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy to determine the chemistry and morphology of the film. While the films appear to be chemically similar through the bulk of the film, the surfaces show chemical variations likely due to changes in growth mechanisms which are reflected in differences of morphology and thickness. The results provide information to facilitate a more complete understanding of copper corrosion relevant to the used fuel containers proposed for the long-term management of spent nuclear fuel.