Title : STUDIES ON HOT LIQUID SODIUM AND CONCRETE INTERACTIONS IN FAST BREEDER REACTOR
Authors : K. Mohammed Haneefa,Manu Santhanam and F.C.Parida
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Price : 250
Abstract : This paper reports an experimental study that evaluated different types of aggregates and cementitious systems for hot sodium exposure applications in Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs). Thermochemical degradation of aggregates and mortars with four different types of cements under liquid sodium exposure were studied. Apart from that, geopolymer composites were tested for their suitability for hot sodium applications. Micro-analytical techniques were used to characterize the materials before and after exposure to 550 °C with and without sodium. The siliceous aggregate upon exposure to 550 °C exhibited severe colour changes due to ferric oxidation of iron bearing minerals and cracking due to differential thermal performance of interlocked minerals. In similar testing conditions, performance of limestone aggregate was comparatively better. Performance of limestone mortars at 550 °C, with and without sodium, was dependent on the water to cement ratio (w/c). Mortars with higher w/c showed more degradation upon hot sodium exposure. Among different types of cement, performance of Portland pozzolana cement was better compared to ordinary Portland cement, Portland slag cement and high alumina cement for a w/c of 0.55. Performance of geopolymer composites (with Class-F fly ash activated by NaOH and sodium silicate) was found to be superior to the existing conventional cement based systems used for the hot sodium exposed sacrificial layer in FBRs.