The effect of shot peening on the oxidation behavior of NF616, a ferritic-martensitic (F/M) steel
in supercritical water (SCW) has been investigated because of the potential applications of
NF616 in future Generation IV nuclear reactor systems. Shot peening significantly reduces the
grain size in the near-surface regions of this steel, thereby altering the diffusion characteristics
of elements in the modified surface layer during high temperature exposure. This refined grain
structure can alter surface-induced corrosion mechanisms of NF616 without changing its bulk
properties. After exposure to SCW with a test section inlet dissolved oxygen content of 25 ppb
at 500°C for up to 667 hours, both as-received (AR) and shot-peened (SP) samples formed a
duplex oxide layer, including an iron-rich outer magnetite oxide layer and an inner layer
consisting of chromium-containing spinel oxide and ferrite. A larger iron/oxygen ratio was
observed in the outer oxide layer of the shot-peened samples, indicating enhanced diffusion of
iron during the growth of the oxide layer. Chromium diffusion was also notably enhanced for
shot-peened samples due to the finer grain size in the near-surface region.