Film of beryllium fluoride protects beryllium against corrosion and stress corrosion cracking in water containing chloride ion concentrations. The film is formed by exposing the beryllium to fluorine gas at 535 degrees C or higher and makes beryllium suitable for space applications

O ~donnell, P. M.

Odonnell, P. M.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

February 1967	 Brief 67-10026 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Beryllium Fluoride Film Protects Beryllium Against Corrosion 
The problem: 
Beryllium has been under consideration for space 
applications in nuclear reactors, satellites, and super-
sonic aircraft because of its light weight, high-
temperature strength; thermal conductivity, and neu-
tron moderating characteristics. One of the major 
problems with this metallic element is its poor corro-
sion resistance in water, especially in the presence of 
high chloride ion concentrations. 
The solution: 
It has been found that a film of beryllium fluoride 
(rhombic, tridymite form) approximately 2000 ang-
stroms thick protects the substrate beryllium against 
corrosion and stress corrosion cracking in water con-
taining chloride ion concentrations of up to 150 parts 
per million. The fluoride film is formed by exposing
the beryllium to fluorine gas at a temperature above 
525°C. 
Note: 
Inquiries concerning this invention may be directed 
to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Lewis Research Center 
21000 Brookpark Road 
Cleveland, Ohio 44135 
Reference: B67-10026 
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
GP, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Source: Patricia M. O'Donnell 
(Lewis-363) 
Category 03 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
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Beryllium fluoride film protects beryllium against corrosion

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