Dynamic Behaviors of Deuterium Retained in SS-316 Oxidized at Various Temperatures

The trapping and release mechanisms of hydrogen isotopes for the stainless steel (SS) oxidized at various temperatures were investigated. The oxide layer was mainly consisted of iron oxides (Fe_xO_y) and its decomposition temperature was almost consistent with the release temperature of deuterium, where major chemical form was a molecular deuterium (D₂). The deuterium retention was increased as the oxidation temperature increased. It was considered that the thickness of oxide layer would make a large influence on the retention of hydrogen isotopes. On the other hand, the amount of released deuterium as heavy water (D₂O) was independent with oxidation temperature. It was considered that the formation of hydrogen isotope as water form was depended on the amount of Fe_xO_y on the top most surface layer of SS.