The Compatibility Of Various Metals And Carbon With Liquid Fluorine

Item

Title
The Compatibility Of Various Metals And Carbon With Liquid Fluorine
Description
Experimental studies were made to determine the compatibility and resistance to corrosion of various metals and carbon with liquid fluorine at -320°F. The metals tested were various alloys of aluminum, stainless steel including high-strength steels, titanium, copper, Monel metal, nickel, and magnesium. Tests which were performed included: continuous immersion of stressed and unstressed samples in liquid fluorine for periods up to two weeks; impact ignition of titanium and aluminum in liquid fluorine and of titanium in liquid oxygen at impact energy levels ranging from 2.6 to 65 ft-lb; intensive and extensive impact on tubes containing liquid fluorine; passivation and storage for periods up to 64 days followed by immersion in liquid fluorine; thermal shock of samples, both by liquid fluorine and in contact with liquid fluorine; flexing of metal samples immersed in liquid fluorine; tearing of metal samples while immersed in liquid fluorine; the explosibility of contaminant in liquid fluorine

It was found that the corrosion of the metals tested in pure liquid fluorine was negligible, generally amounting to less than 1 mil penetration per year. However, contamination of liquid fluorine can result in sever corrosion. Graphitic carbon was found to be incompatible although dense amorphous carbon was affected only slightly. Titanium was found to ignite upon impact in liquid fluorine although the ignition did not propagate. no evidence was found to support the theory that a fluoride thin film is required to protect metals from attack by liquid fluorine,

Passivation by gaseous fluorine is recommended as an extension of the cleaning procedure despite the lack of real evidence that passivation is required for materials which have been thoroughly cleaned.
Date
1960
Index Abstract
Contrails only
Photo Quality
Incomplete
Report Number
WADD TR 60-436
Creator
Sterner, Charles J.
Singleton, Alan H.
Corporate Author
Air Products, Inc.
Laboratory
Materials Central
Extent
110
Identifier
AD0244309
AD0244309
Access Rights
ASTIA
Distribution Classification
1
Contract
AF 33(616)-6515
DoD Project
7312
DoD Task
73122
DTIC Record Exists
Yes
Distribution Change Authority Correspondence
ASD LTR
Report Availability
Full text available by request
Date Issued
1960-08
Abstract
Experimental studies were made to determine the compatibility and resistance to corrosion of various metals and carbon with liquid fluorine at -320°F. The metals tested were various alloys of aluminum, stainless steel including high-strength steels, titanium, copper, Monel metal, nickel, and magnesium. Tests which were performed included: continuous immersion of stressed and unstressed samples in liquid fluorine for periods up to two weeks; impact ignition of titanium and aluminum in liquid fluorine and of titanium in liquid oxygen at impact energy levels ranging from 2.6 to 65 ft-lb; intensive and extensive impact on tubes containing liquid fluorine; passivation and storage for periods up to 64 days followed by immersion in liquid fluorine; thermal shock of samples, both by liquid fluorine and in contact with liquid fluorine; flexing of metal samples immersed in liquid fluorine; tearing of metal samples while immersed in liquid fluorine; the explosibility of contaminant in liquid fluorine

It was found that the corrosion of the metals tested in pure liquid fluorine was negligible, generally amounting to less than 1 mil penetration per year. However, contamination of liquid fluorine can result in sever corrosion. Graphitic carbon was found to be incompatible although dense amorphous carbon was affected only slightly. Titanium was found to ignite upon impact in liquid fluorine although the ignition did not propagate. no evidence was found to support the theory that a fluoride thin film is required to protect metals from attack by liquid fluorine,

Passivation by gaseous fluorine is recommended as an extension of the cleaning procedure despite the lack of real evidence that passivation is required for materials which have been thoroughly cleaned.
Type
report
Provenance
Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control
Subject
Alloys
Aluminum Alloys
Carbon
Copper Alloys
Corrosion
Degradation
Explosives
Fluorine
Furniture
Graphite
Ignition
Impact Shock
Liquids
Magnesium Alloys
Metals
Nickel Alloys
Oxygen
Stainless Steel
Titanium Alloys
Publisher
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH : Wright Air Development Division, Air Research and Development Command, United States Air Force
Format
vi, 110 pages : ill. ; 28 cm.
Distribution Conflict
No