Corrosion and Mechanical Durability Testing in High Temperature Molten Sulfur: Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-22-23120

The overall goal of the project is to explore and identify suitable candidate materials for high- temperature molten sulfur thermal energy storage (TES) operating up to a maximum temperature of 400 degreesC–420 degreesC for industrial process heat applications. A detailed corrosion and strength analysis of coupons subjected to long-term thermal testing in molten sulfur will be conducted to characterize the fundamental corrosion mechanism, corrosion rates, and mechanical durability. The results from the project contribute to the engineering design of sulfur TES systems with desired longevity and lower construction and maintenance costs. The research outcome benefits the TES research and development community by providing detailed corrosion and degradation information for more effective engineering design of the molten sulfur TES containment. It improves the diversity and reliability of the renewable technologies available for the U.S. industries and U.S. power grid.