Masters Theses

Abstract

"Beryllium was shown to react stoichiometrically with HF, HCl, and H2SO4 acids in accordance with a plus two valence. These reactions were investigated by the hydrogen evolution method.

Dissolution rates were determined in five concentrations, 0.01, 0.05, 0.10, 0.50, and 0,75 N, of HF acid at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50°C, This was accomplished by the hydrogen evolution method and the results were based on the tested stoichiometry. Beryllium has a high dissolution rate in HF acid, which approximates the following under similar conditions: 10 times Al, 4 times Ti, and 1.5 times Zr. A kinetic evaluation of the dissolution results revealed a reaction order of 0.88 and an activation energy of 6.8 Kcal/mole, Unfortunately, due to the existence of complex surface conditions, these values proved to be inadequate to deduce a conclusive mechanism for the reaction. However, a tentative hypothesis is offered which assumes a diffusionally controlled process that is hindered by a BeO film. Future studies involving potential and difference effect measurements should prove effectual in developing an explanation of this reaction.

A preliminary investigation of the HCl dissolution reaction revealed a very different mode of attack which appeared to be primarily electrochemical. A most interesting feature of this reaction was its capacity to exhibit the phenomenon known as the "chunk effect”. This resulted in fragments of the beryllium being dislodged into the solution during attack by the dilute acid. Limited dissolution rate data for this reaction indicated it to be more complex than for the HF acid reaction.

A review of the literature revealed no evidence of previous quantitative corrosion studies on beryllium in the above three acids"--Abstract, pages ii-iii.

Advisor(s)

Straumanis, Martin E., 1898-1973

Committee Member(s)

James, William Joseph
Troutner, David E.
Leighly, Hollis P., 1923-2004

Department(s)

Materials Science and Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Metallurgical Engineering

Sponsor(s)

U. S. Atomic Energy Commission

Comments

Financial assistance was received from the United States Atomic Energy Commission, Contract AT(11-1)73, Project 5.

Publisher

Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy

Publication Date

1961

Pagination

viii, 100 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 53-54).

Rights

© 1961 Donald Lee Mathis, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Beryllium
Beryllium -- Dissolution -- Testing
Hydrofluoric acid

Thesis Number

T 1313

Print OCLC #

5933075

Electronic OCLC #

982296577

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