The materials (mainly stainless steels) aging of the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant is the focus of an important R&D activity at CEA. The control of this aging will be achieved by a better understanding the corrosion mechanisms the stainless steels in nitric acid (the oxidizing agent used in the reprocessing steps).
The aim of the PhD is to develop a model of corrosion on a stainless steel in nitric acid as a function of temperature and the acid nitric concentration. This PhD represents a technological challenge because currently few studies exist on in situ electrochemical measurements in hot and concentrated nitric acid. The PhD student will carry out by coupling electrochemical measurements, chemical analyses (UV-visible-IR spectrometry...) and surfaces analyses (SEM, XPS,…). Based on these experimental results, a model will be developed, which will be incorporated in the future in a more global model of the industrial equipments aging of the plant.
The laboratory is specialized in the corrosion study in extreme conditions. It is composed of a very dynamic and motivated scientific team which has the habit to receive students.