Steam chemical reactivity of plasma-sprayed beryllium

This paper presents the results of experiments and analyses to quantify the chemical reactivity of plasma-sprayed (PS) Be specimens exposed to steam. Test specimens with densities of 94% theoretical density (TD) and 92% TD we re prepared by a low-pressure-plasma-spraying (LPPS) technique. Sample dens ity, porosity and specific surface area were measured using immersion densi ty and gas-adsorption techniques. Microstructural characterization was done using optical and electron microscopy. Hydrogen generation rates were obta ined from tests of specimens in steam at temperatures from 350 to 1000 degr ees C. Below 700 degrees C, hydrogen generation rates for the 94% TD materi al were somewhat higher than rates for 100% TD Be, but they were substantia lly lower than rates for the 92% TD Be and for previously tested PS-Be and porous Be. Reaction rate differences correlated with specific surface area differences for the materials tested.