In this study, the stability of Cr2O3, ZrO2, and Mn3O4 oxide films in high-temperature liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) was systematically investigated using both experimental and first principles calculation methods. The research findings indicated that Cr2O3 demonstrated superior structural integrity at corrosion temperatures of both 600 °C and 700 °C and displayed exceptional resistance to LBE corrosion. ZrO2 demonstrates resistance to LBE infiltration. However, the emergence of cracks in the vicinity of the ZrO2 layer and the metal interface undermines the protective layer's integrity. Mn3O4 exhibits susceptibility to corrosion by LBE and lacks resistance to its effects. First principles calculations indicate that Pb and Bi atoms are most readily adsorbed onto the Mn3O4 surface, promoting the detachment of Mn atoms. The results show that the corrosion resistance of the three oxide films is ranked in the following order: Cr2O3 > ZrO2 > Mn3O4.
Keywords: corrosion resistance; lead–bismuth eutectic; oxidation; oxide film.