Sviluppo di Acciai Austenitici Inossidabili Formatori di Allumina per Reattori Veloci al Piombo Mediante Termodinamica Computazionale

This thesis explores the potential of alumina forming austenitic stainless steels (AFA) as candidate materials for lead fast reactors (LFR), a type of generation IV nuclear reactors that use liquid lead as a coolant and a neutron reflector. LFRs offer several advantages over current generation reactors, such as higher efficiency, inherent safety, and reduced nuclear waste. However, they also pose significant challenges for the materials that are exposed to high temperatures, neutron irradiation, and liquid lead corrosion. AFA steels are a novel class of alloys that can form a protective alumina scale on their surface, which can improve their oxidation and corrosion resistance. The aim of this work is to use CALPHAD method via Thermo-calc software to simulate the thermodynamic and kinetic behavior of AFA steels in contact with liquid lead, and to evaluate their suitability for LFR applications. The results of this work can provide useful insights for the design and optimization of AFA steels for nuclear energy.