The application of in situ analytical transmission electron microscopy to the study of preferential intergranular oxidation in Alloy 600

In situ analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can provide a unique perspective on dynamic reactions in a variety of environments, including liquids and gases. In this study, in situ analytical TEM techniques have been applied to examine the localised oxidation reactions that occur in a Ni-Cr-Fe alloy, Alloy 600, using a gas environmental cell at elevated temperatures. The initial stages of preferential intergranular oxidation, shown to be an important precursor phenomenon for intergranular stress corrosion cracking in pressurized water reactors (PWRs), have been successfully identified using the in situ approach. Furthermore, the detailed observations correspond to the ex situ results obtained from bulk specimens tested in hydrogenated steam and in high temperature PWR primary water. The excellent agreement between the in situ and ex situ oxidation studies demonstrates that this approach can be used to investigate the initial stages of preferential intergranular oxidation relevant to nuclear power systems. •In situ analytical TEM has been performed in 1 bar H2-H2O vapor at 360–480 °C.•Nanoscale GB migration and solute partitioning correlate with ex situ data for Alloy 600 in H2-steam.•This technique can provide new insights into localised reactions associated with localised oxidation.