High-temperature corrosion behavior of hot-pressed Al-based Gd2O3-W shielding materials used in spent fuel storage

[Display omitted] •The high-temperature corrosion behavior of hot-pressed Al-based Gd2O3-W MMCs was studied.•An outer flocculent AlO(OH) layer with a limited protective effect was formed.•Effect of the distribution and size of particles on the corrosion behavior were analyzed.•Irradiation resulted in more active corrosion sites and made severe corrosion.•Pitting initiated from Al-only region and was inhibited by Gd-containing particles. The high-temperature corrosion behavior of new types of Al-based Gd2O3-W composites prepared by hot-pressing and used in spent fuel storage were investigated. The samples were irradiated by Fe+ to simulate neutron and γ-ray irradiations and then corroded in a high-temperature boron-lithium-water environment. An outer flocculent AlO(OH) layer with a limited protective effect and an inner amorphous Al2O3 layer were formed on the surface. Pitting initiated from the Al-only portions and was inhibited by Gd-containing particles. The corrosion could bypass dispersed particles and led to a general corrosion. Irradiation resulted in more active corrosion sites and caused severe corrosion.