Excellent high temperature corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel immersed in purified NaCl–MgCl2 eutectic salts

Corrosion behaviors of 304 stainless steel (304SS) in NaCl–MgCl2 eutectic salts with purification treatment at high temperature were firstly studied by static immersion under Ar. The weight loss of 304SS were 1.61 mg/cm2 at 500°C and 1.80 mg/cm2 at 600°C, respectively. The annual corrosion rate of 304SS was less than 100 μm, indicating that 304SS possessed excellent corrosion resistance at high temperature. The intergranular corrosion of 304SS at high temperature was accompanied by dissolution of active chromium and iron. Its corrosion of 304SS gradually intensified with temperature increase, especially after 600°C, which provided strong data support for materials selection at high temperature in the future. Owing to the compatibility of 304SS with NaCl–MgCl2 salt, 304SS is suitable for use in the container at high temperature.