Ceramic microreactors are suitable for containing a variety of high temperature reactions for applications such as hydrogen production, fuel processing and reforming, synthetic chemistry, and point-of-use synthesis of hazardous material. In many of these applications, not only are the high-temperature structural properties of ceramics beneficial, but also their resistance to various forms of chemical corrosion. Although a number of materials are candidates for use in these demanding applications, the .behavior of many of these materials under conditions anticipated during operation are unknown. Therefore, high temperature exposure tests were used to characterize the effects on mechanical strength and the formation of corrosion products on silicon-based ceramic materials and on certain intermetallic materials. Corrosion was investigated in vapour environments, and in boiling, liquid-sulfuric acid. Based on the results that will be discussed, non-oxide ceramics that form protective silica layers in oxidizing environments show promise for use in corrosive environments, especially at high temperatures.
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