Current Projects (IIT Bombay)
Fundamentals of Naphthenic Acid corrosion of Fe, and Fe based alloys
Naphthenic Acid corrosion (NAC) is an elevated temperature corrosion by organic acids that form a part of crude. While Naphthenic acid corrosion has been studied for several years, there is not a lot of mechanistic data available in accessible form that can aid probabilistic modeling approaches. Moreover, there is a lingering question about whether or not NAC is electrochemical in nature, mainly due to the non-conductive nature of NAs. The goal is develop a fundamental understanding of NAC using suitable support electrolytes
Funding Agency: C2 Ventures LLC ($ 60,000)
Transpassive corrosion mechanisms in Fe and Ni-based Corrosion-resistant alloys
Fe and Ni-based alloys used in highly oxidizing environments in applications including fuel cell bipolar plates, spent nuclear reprocessing are pushed to operate in their transpassive regime. Transpassive domain is complicated by presence of additional reactions in addition to dissolution such as the water oxidation or oxygen evolution reaction, formation of secondary surface films, etc.. makes quantification and understanding of mechanisms only using conventional electrochemical measurements difficult. Therefore, we use a suite of complementary non-electrochemical techniques including Respirometry (in-house being setup), and Raman spectroscopy. Currently, we are looking at effects of different alloying elements (Fe, Si, Al, Mn) and microstructure. Additionally, we intend to probe environmentally assisted cracking under transpassive conditions
Funding: IITB Seed grant (Rs. 50,00,000)
Steam-side oxidation of Ni and Fe-based alloys for Indian Advanced Supercritical (AUSC) steam reactors
In this project, steam oxidation of Ni-based superalloys and Fe alloys under Indian AUSC conditions (31 MPa, 710oC) are explored for long-term feasibility as well as mechanistic understanding under relevant condition. CorrMet Lab has an unique test loop developed and commissioned by Prof. V.S. Raja. The project funded by DST is focused on long-term reliability of Inconel 740H tube material under AUSC conditions, in partnership with BHEL and IGCAR.
Funding: Department of Science and Technology, India (Rs. 2.1 Crores)
CorrMet Lab’s active interest is to probe alumina forming Ni and Fe alloys to counter Cr volatalization. Additionally, there are questions about the occurrence of SCC in alumina forming alloys under such conditions. This aspect is being explored through IITB-TU DDDP
Previous Projects (FAU Erlangen)
High temperature oxidation of additively manufactured Ni-based superalloys
It is advantageous to use additively manufactured Ni-based superalloys to produce complex-shaped components used in jet engines thereby reducing the material wastage, machining costs, and production lead times. However, the AM process leads to unique microstructure (grain structure, dislocation substructure, elemental segregation) that can influence the properties including high temperature oxidation. The goal of this project is to understand the role of grain structure, carbide distribution on external scale formation and internal oxidation kinetics in EB-PBF processed Ni-based superalloy 247 benchmarked against commercial cast counterparts. The project combines high-resolution microscopy coupled with computational modeling.
High temperature oxidation novel Fe-based superalloys
A2-B2 superalloys based on Fe-Al-Cr-Ni are emerging as attractive alternative for Ni-based superalloys, Ferritic/Austenitic stainless steel up to 700-800C due to their low-cost, low-density with comparable mechanical properties. However, studies are limited with respect to high temperature oxidation. The goal of this project is to understand oxidation mechanisms in dry and wet air in connection to alloy chemistry and microstructure. Methods employed include Raman Spectroscopy and advanced microscopy to study the scale characteristics and underlying microstructure evolution.