Research Progress on Surface Corrosion and Protection of Steam Generator Surface in Nuclear Power Plants

doi:10.11902/1005.4537.2025.183

Journal of Chinese Society for Corrosion and protection

2026, Vol. 46

Issue (3): 663-670 DOI: 10.11902/1005.4537.2025.183

Current Issue | Archive | Adv Search

Research Progress on Surface Corrosion and Protection of Steam Generator Surface in Nuclear Power Plants

LIU Hu¹, LI Xudong¹, ZHOU Zhaohui², WANG Jinlong²(

), CHEN Minghui², WANG Fuhui²

^1.Research Institute of Nuclear Power Operation China National Nuclear Corporation, Wuhan 430073, China
^2.Corrosion and Protection Center, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China

Cite this article:

LIU Hu, LI Xudong, ZHOU Zhaohui, WANG Jinlong, CHEN Minghui, WANG Fuhui. Research Progress on Surface Corrosion and Protection of Steam Generator Surface in Nuclear Power Plants. Journal of Chinese Society for Corrosion and protection, 2026, 46(3): 663-670.

Download:

HTML

PDF(1136KB)
Export: BibTeX | EndNote (RIS)

Abstract

The steam generator (SG), serving as the critical junction between the primary and secondary circuits in pressurized water reactor (PWR) nuclear power plants, is subjected to long-term exposure to high-temperature, high-pressure, and multiphase flow corrosive environments. Surface corrosion issues in SGs pose a direct threat to the safety and economic viability of nuclear power stations. This paper reviews the latest research progress on the corrosion mechanisms and protection technologies for SG surfaces. It discusses the environmental factors affecting SGs during storage, transportation, and operation, analyzes the causes of surface corrosion, and points out the specialized protection requirements for SG surfaces. The paper also provides a comprehensive overview of the current development status of coating protection technologies, aiming to serve as a reference for addressing corrosion and protection challenges on steam generator surfaces.

Key words: nuclear power steam generator coating protection technology

Received: 17 June 2025 32134.14.1005.4537.2025.183

ZTFLH:

TG174

Fund: Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(N25DCG001)

Corresponding Authors: WANG Jinlong, E-mail: wangjinlong@mail.neu.edu.cn

	Service

	E-mail this article
	Add to citation manager
	E-mail Alert
	RSS
	（）
	Articles by authors
	LIU Hu
	LI Xudong
	ZHOU Zhaohui
	WANG Jinlong
	CHEN Minghui
	WANG Fuhui

URL:

https://www.jcscp.org/EN/10.11902/1005.4537.2025.183 OR https://www.jcscp.org/EN/Y2026/V46/I3/663

Fig.1 Structure of steam generator

Fig.2 Temperature changes of various parts of Daya Bay nuclear steam generator

Table 1 Standard Specification of coatings for nuclear power plants^[39]

Table 2 Coating Applications on Nuclear Power Plant Steam Generator Surfaces^[48]

[1]	Korneev A E, Lovchev V N, Kharina I L, et al. The morphology of defects of a weld joints of a drum with a steam-generator housing of VVER-1000 generator units [J]. Prot. Met. Phys. Chem. Surf., 2017, 53: 1235 doi: 10.1134/S2070205117070103
[2]	Trunov N B, Popadchuk V S, Brykov S I, et al. Investigation of corrosion degradation of a tube sheet in steam generators in nuclear power plants with vver reactors [J]. At. Energy, 2008, 105: 248 doi: 10.1007/s10512-009-9093-6
[3]	Oleinik S G. Effect of the quantity, composition, and thickness of deposits on the damage to the pipes of steam generators in nuclear power plants with VVÉR reactors [J]. At. Energy, 2004, 96: 228 doi: 10.1023/B:ATEN.0000035991.53394.84
[4]	Xie Y, Zhang J S. Corrosion and deposition on the secondary circuit of steam generators [J]. J. Nucl. Sci. Technol., 2016, 53: 1455 doi: 10.1080/00223131.2016.1152923
[5]	Rodríguez M A. Corrosion control of nuclear steam generators under normal operation and plant-outage conditions: A review [J]. Corros. Rev., 2020, 38: 195 doi: 10.1515/corrrev-2020-0015
[6]	Sipilä K, Ferreirós P, Ikäläinen T, et al. Decomposition products of oxygen scavengers and their effect on corrosion of steam generator materials-I. Diethyl-hydroxylamine and carbohydrazide [J]. Corros. Sci., 2024, 240: 112476 doi: 10.1016/j.corsci.2024.112476
[7]	Zhang Z Y, Zhang Z M, Wang J Q, et al. Elucidating the interaction mechanisms between polyacrylic acid and alloy 800 oxide films under pressurized water reactor steam generator conditions [J]. Corros. Sci., 2024, 236: 112258 doi: 10.1016/j.corsci.2024.112258
[8]	Guo X L, Lai P, Li L, et al. Progress in studying the fretting wear/corrosion of nuclear steam generator tubes [J]. Ann. Nucl. Energy, 2020, 144: 107556 doi: 10.1016/j.anucene.2020.107556
[9]	Xia D H, Behnamian Y, Luo J L. Review-factors influencing sulfur induced corrosion on the secondary side in pressurized water reactors (PWRs) [J]. J. Electrochem. Soc., 2019, 166: C49 doi: 10.1149/2.0531902jes
[10]	Xia X J, Cai J B, Lin D Y, et al. Corrosion status, corrosion mechanisms and anti-corrosion measures in coastal substations [J]. J. Chin. Soc. Corros. Prot., 2021, 41: 697
	夏晓健, 蔡建宾, 林德源等. 沿海变电站设备腐蚀状况及其腐蚀机理与防护 [J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2021, 41: 697 doi: 10.11902/1005.4537.2020.155
[11]	Xie X W, Peng C H, Liang Q Z. A cumulative damage model for tubes in nuclear power plants subject to continuous degradation and multi-effect shocks under dynamic environments [J]. Ann. Nucl. Energy, 2024, 209: 110839 doi: 10.1016/j.anucene.2024.110839
[12]	Meiswinkel R, Meyer J, Schnell J. Design and Construction of Nuclear Power Plants [M]. Berlin: John Wiley & Sons, 2013
[13]	Li S P, Dang Y, Hong X F, et al. Effect of water chemistry on corrosion behavior of nickel-based alloy 690 in high temperature high pressure water [J]. J. Chin. Soc. Corros. Prot., 2025, 45: 1035
	李顺平, 党莹, 洪晓峰等. 水化学对690镍基合金高温高压水腐蚀行为的影响 [J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2025, 45: 1035 doi: 10.11902/1005.4537.2024.414
[14]	Wang G P, Zhou S J, Yin M G. Effect of WC-10Co-4Cr coating on the fretting tribo-corrosion behavior of an Inconel 690 alloy tube under salt spray steam environment [J]. Mater. Today Commun., 2025, 43: 111794
[15]	Park S J, Seo M K, Lee J R. Effects of irradiation and design basis accident conditions on thermal properties of epoxy coating system for nuclear power plant [J]. Nucl. Eng. Des., 2004, 228: 47 doi: 10.1016/j.nucengdes.2003.05.001
[16]	Chen L, Feng J, Meng F D, et al. Preparation and anticorrosion performance of a coal-gangue modified epoxy coating [J]. J. Chin. Soc. Corros. Prot., 2025, 45: 643
	陈丽, 冯佳, 孟凡帝等. 煤矸石改性环氧涂层的制备及其防腐性能研究 [J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2025, 45: 643
[17]	Li G Q, Liu X, Sun X G, et al. Research progress on trigger mechanism and preparation strategy of coatings of defect self-disclosure [J]. J. Chin. Soc. Corros. Prot., 2024, 44: 540
	李刚卿, 刘茜, 孙晓光等. 缺陷自预警涂层的触发机制及制备策略研究进展 [J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2024, 44: 540 doi: 10.11902/1005.4537.2023.246
[18]	Li H L, Lang W K. Environmentally friendly anticorrosive materials-preparation and research progress of polyaniline nanocomposites [J]. J. Chin. Soc. Corros. Prot., 2024, 44: 874
	李红玲, 郎五可. 环境友好防腐材料-聚苯胺纳米复合材料的制备及其研究进展 [J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2024, 44: 874 doi: 10.11902/1005.4537.2023.285
[19]	Xia Y, Lian B J, Cheng J, et al. Influence of molecular structure of polyaspartic ester polyurea amino component on microstructure of its coating and diffusion behavior of corrosive media within coating: A molecular dynamics simulation study [J]. J. Chin. Soc. Corros. Prot., 2025, 45: 975
	夏渊, 廉兵杰, 程佳等. 聚天冬氨酸酯聚脲胺基组分分子结构对涂层微观结构及腐蚀介质扩散行为影响的分子动力学模拟研究 [J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2025, 45: 975
[20]	Sun S B, Shi C W, Wang D S, et al. Low temperature wear and corrosion resistance of epoxy based polar marine ice breaking coatings [J]. J. Chin. Soc. Corros. Prot., 2024, 44: 1177
	孙士斌, 史常伟, 王东胜等. 新型环氧基极地船舶用破冰涂料低温耐磨耐蚀性能研究 [J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2024, 44: 1177 doi: 10.11902/1005.4537.2024.001
[21]	Cheng F T, Sun L Z. Analysis of corrosion invalidation of steam generators [J]. J. Chin. Soc. Corros. Prot., 2006, 26: 376
	程芳婷, 孙立忠. 蒸汽发生器的腐蚀失效分析 [J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2006, 26: 376
[22]	Cao Q, Oluwoye I, Pojtanabuntoeng T, et al. Evaluation of epoxy-based coating degradation under thermal insulation at elevated temperatures on different steel substrates [J]. Prog. Org. Coat., 2023, 180: 107544
[23]	Wiering L, Qi X N, Battocchi D. Corrosion performance of high-temperature organic coatings subjected to heat treatments [J]. Prog. Org. Coat., 2021, 159: 106418
[24]	Zhao N. Structure simulation of copper-cobalt cluster and experimental study on anti-irradiation property of radiation resistant coating [D]. Lanzhou: Lanzhou University, 2010
	赵妮. 铜钴团簇结构模拟与耐辐射涂料的抗辐射实验研究 [D]. 兰州: 兰州大学, 2010
[25]	Fu Y B. Research on radiation effect of some polymers materials [J]. Mater. Rep., 2003, 17(2): 4
	傅依备. 几种高分子材料的核辐射效应研究 [J]. 材料导报, 2003, 17(2): 4
[26]	Queiroz D P R, Fraïsse F, Fayolle B, et al. Radiochemical ageing of epoxy coating for nuclear plants [J]. Radiat. Phys. Chem., 2010, 79: 362 doi: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2009.08.034
[27]	Egusa S, Kirk M A, Birtcher R C. Effects of neutron irradiation on polymer matrix composites at 5 K and at room temperature: II. Degradation of mechanical properties [J]. J. Nucl. Mater., 1987, 148: 53 doi: 10.1016/0022-3115(87)90517-4
[28]	Wagle P G, Tamboli S S, More A P. Peelable coatings: A review [J]. Prog. Org. Coat., 2021, 150: 106005
[29]	Natali I, Carretti E, Angelova L, et al. Structural and mechanical properties of “peelable” organoaqueous dispersions with partially hydrolyzed poly (vinyl acetate)-borate networks: Applications to cleaning painted surfaces [J]. Langmuir, 2011, 27: 13226 doi: 10.1021/la2015786 pmid: 21749078
[30]	Kim K M, Park H W, Shim G S, et al. Mechanical properties and decomposition performance of peelable coating containing UiO-66 catalyst and waterborne silane-terminated polyurethane dispersions [J]. J. Mater. Sci., 2020, 55: 2604 doi: 10.1007/s10853-019-04184-2
[31]	Zhang Y X, Zhu Y Y, Yang J R, et al. Energy saving performance of thermochromic coatings with different colors for buildings [J]. Energy Build., 2020, 215: 109920 doi: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2020.109920
[32]	Li X D, Li W, Li M C, et al. Glucose-assisted synthesis of the hierarchical TiO₂ nanowire@MoS₂ nanosheet nanocomposite and its synergistic lithium storage performance [J]. J. Mater. Chem. A, 2015, 3: 2762 doi: 10.1039/C4TA05249H
[33]	Yin H L, Tan Z Y, Liao Y T, et al. Application of SO^2-₄/TiO₂ solid superacid in decontaminating radioactive pollutants [J]. J. Environ. Radioact., 2006, 87: 227 doi: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2005.11.009
[34]	He Z Y, Zhou Y L, Xie C Q, et al. Preparation and performance of polyvinyl alcohol base strippable and protective decontaminable coating [J]. J. Funct. Mater., 2013, 44: 1177
	何智宇, 周元林, 谢长琼等. 聚乙烯醇基可剥离防护去污涂料制备及其性能 [J]. 功能材料, 2013, 44: 1177
[35]	Wang J, Wang J H, Zheng L, et al. A novel self-embrittling strippable coating for radioactive decontamination based on silicone modified styrene-acrylic emulsion [J]. IOP Conf. Ser. Earth Environ. Sci., 2017, 59: 012026
[36]	Liu H Y, Zhang S. Preparation of a new water-based strippable protected coating [J]. Adv. Mater. Res., 2011, 239: 2646
[37]	Yang H M, Park C W, Lee K W, et al. Polyvinyl alcohol-borate hydrogel containing Prussian blue for surface decontamination [J]. J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem., 2018, 316: 955 doi: 10.1007/s10967-018-5745-0
[38]	Hosemann P, Frazer D, Fratoni M, et al. Materials selection for nuclear applications: Challenges and opportunities [J]. Scr. Mater., 2018, 143: 181 doi: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2017.04.027
[39]	Zhang Y. Application analysis on special coatings applied to nuclear power plant [J]. Electroplat. Finish., 2008, 27(7): 57
	张耀. 核电专用涂层应用分析 [J]. 电镀与涂饰, 2008, 27(7): 57
[40]	Chidiac S E, El-Samrah M G, Reda M A, et al. Mechanical and radiation shielding properties of concrete containing commercial boron carbide powder [J]. Constr. Build. Mater., 2021, 313: 125466 doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.125466
[41]	Aygün B, Korkut T, Karabulut A, et al. Production and neutron irradiation tests on a new epoxy/molybdenum composite [J]. Int. J. Polym. Anal. Charact., 2015, 20: 323 doi: 10.1080/1023666X.2015.1017790
[42]	Korkut T, Gencel O, Kam E, et al. X-Ray, gamma, and neutron radiation tests on epoxy-ferrochromium slag composites by experiments and Monte Carlo simulations [J]. Int. J. Polym. Anal. Charact., 2013, 18: 224 doi: 10.1080/1023666X.2013.755658
[43]	Cellia M, Grazzi F, Zoppi M. A new ceramic material for shielding pulsed neutron scattering instruments [J]. Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. Sect., 2006, 565A: 861
[44]	Xu X Y, Long J, Zhang R Z, et al. Greatly improving thermal stability of silicone resins by modification with POSS [J]. Polym. Degrad. Stab., 2020, 174: 109082 doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2020.109082
[45]	Hu M M, Yan B. Synthesis and application performance of silicone-modified resole resin [J]. Eng. Plast. Appl., 2019, 47(4): 30
	胡茂明, 严兵. 有机硅改性酚醛树脂合成及应用性能 [J]. 工程塑料应用, 2019, 47(4): 30
[46]	Torknezhad Y, Khosravi M, Assefi M. Corrosion protection performance of nanoparticle incorporated epoxy paint assessed by linear polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy [J]. Mater. Corros., 2018, 69: 472
[47]	Liu D Y, Wang L, Li H Y, et al. The development of a epoxy-phenolic high temperature and high pressure resistant anti-corrosive coatings [J]. Shanghai Coat., 2023, 61(4): 5
	刘德洋, 王磊, 李宏远等. 一种环氧酚醛耐高温高压防腐蚀涂料研制 [J]. 上海涂料, 2023, 61(4): 5
[48]	Sun J, Li Z Q, Yang M L, et al. Review on research and development of nuclear radiation-resistant coatings [J]. Corros. Sci. Prot. Technol., 2019, 31: 544
	孙静, 李至秦, 杨名亮等. 耐核辐射防护涂料研究进展 [J]. 腐蚀科学与防护技术, 2019, 31: 544

[1]	CHENG Jie, SHANG Yongbin, ZHANG Fengxi, LU Feng, LIU Jianguo. Adaptability Analysis and Prospects of Self-healing Coatings for Crude Oil Storage Tanks[J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2026, 46(3): 641-652.
[2]	LIU Suyun, LI Wanting, ZHOU Runqi, LIU Rui, DONG Zhijun, LIU Li, WANG Fuhui. Thermal Conductivity and Corrosion Resistance of Epoxy Composite Coatings with Polydopamine Modified Mult-scale Boron Nitrides[J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2026, 46(3): 767-776.
[3]	ZHAO Tongjun, WANG Xingyao, CHEN Zehao, YANG Shasha, WANG Jinlong, CHEN Minghui, ZHU Shenglong, WANG Fuhui. Influence of Particle Shape of Al-pigments on High-temperature Degradation Behavior of Silicone Composite Coatings[J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2026, 46(3): 777-786.
[4]	WANG Die, DU Baoshuai, JIA Zeyang, FAN Zhibin, JIANG Bo, GAO Jin, DU Cuiwei. Influence of Zinc Particle Shape on Cathodic Protection Performance and Mechanisms of Zinc-rich Coatings[J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2026, 46(3): 938-944.
[5]	ZHANG Kai, WANG Jianyang, LI Xiangyu, GUI Taijiang, WANG Fuhui, XU Dake. Process on Superwetting Coatings with Anti-biofouling and Anti-corrosion Properties[J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2026, 46(2): 327-340.
[6]	LI Zihao, LI Mengnan, ZHAI Xiaofan, SUN Jiawen, YE Sujuan. Preparation and Antifouling Performance of Nano-Co₃O₄ Composite Silicone-based Low Surface Energy Coating[J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2026, 46(2): 417-429.
[7]	WANG Feng, JIANG Yiming, ZHANG Caiyun, LI Shuai, BAO Zebin. Search Insight Microstructure Degradation of Single Crystal Alloy and Coating for Gas Turbine Rotor Blades and Restoration of Coating[J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2026, 46(2): 461-470.
[8]	PENG Wenya, LI Shuai, LI Pu, ZHAO Chunling, BAO Zebin. Hot Corrosion Resistance of (Ni, Pt)Al- and NiCoCrAlYTa-coating Prepared on Ni-based Single Crystal Alloy DD6[J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2026, 46(2): 491-499.
[9]	ZHANG Chao, HE Chuang, XIA Kai, GUO Tingshan, LIANG Zhiyuan. Oxidation Behavior of K444 and K452 Alloys with and Without Thermal Barrier Coatings in High- temperature Steam Environment[J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2026, 46(2): 500-510.
[10]	DING Hao, DU Lingxiao, SHU Qin, CAO Fuyang, XIE Yun, PENG Xiao. Effect of WC Content on Wear and Corrosion Performance of Laser Cladding AlCoCrFeNi_2.1 Eutectic High-entropy Alloy Coating[J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2026, 46(1): 126-136.
[11]	LIU Hailong, WANG Li, ZHAO Weiguo, HAN Jiayu, WANG Qingsong, LONG Jiayi, HE Xing, GAO Lili, WANG Hua, HU Ping. Preparation and High-temperature Oxidation Resistance of Laser Clad Si-ZrB₂-Ti-Cr Multi-component Coatings on Mo-alloy[J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2026, 46(1): 155-164.
[12]	TAN Jingsha, GUO Yichao, CHEN Junlin, GAI Wenfeng, MENG Guozhe. Chloride Ion Capture and Responsive Corrosion Inhibition Behavior of ZnAlCe-NO₂ Hydrotalcite @ Silane Coating[J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2026, 46(1): 207-219.
[13]	YANG Xiaowen, CHEN Zehao, YANG Shasha, WANG Qunchang, WANG Jinlong, CHEN Minghui, WANG Fuhui. Short-term Hot Corrosion Behavior of Nickel-based Single Crystal Superalloy N5 and its Nanocrystalline Coating[J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2026, 46(1): 252-260.
[14]	YU Baoyi, MEI Tong, ZHENG Li, CHANG Dongxu, JI Meilin. Microstructure and Corrosion Performance of Cold Sprayed TC4-WC Coatings[J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2026, 46(1): 291-298.
[15]	LIU Jianyang, HAN Yang, YU Meiyan, WANG Wei. Recent Advances in Light-responsive Multifunctional Self-healing Coatings[J]. 中国腐蚀与防护学报, 2025, 45(6): 1493-1507.

No Suggested Reading articles found!

Viewed

Full text

Abstract

Cited

Shared

Discussed