The materials (mainly stainless steels) aging of the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant is the focus of an important R&D activity at CEA. The control of this aging will be achieved by a better understanding the corrosion mechanisms the stainless steels in nitric acid (the oxidizing agent used in the reprocessing steps).

The aim of the PhD is to develop a model of the nitric acid reduction (the cathodic process involved in the corrosion mechanism) on a stainless steel. The PhD student will have to propose a reduction mechanism of nitric acid on a stainless steel and to quantify its kinetic. For that purpose an experimental work will be carried out by coupling electrochemical measurements (global and local) and chemical analyses (UV-visible-IR spectrometry...). Based on these experimental results, a model will be developed, which will be incorporated in the future in a more global model of the industrial equipments ageing of the plant.

The laboratory is specialized in the corrosion study in extreme conditions. It is composed of a very dynamic and motivated scientific team which has the habit to receive students.