SEDL / STP / STP1423-EB / STP11388S

Chemical State Analysis of Sn and Fe in ZrO² by Mössbauer Spectroscopy

Anada, H
Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd., Amagasaki city, Hogo,

Takeda, K
Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd., Amagasaki city, Hogo,

Nasu, S
Osaka University, Toyonaka city, Osaka,

Kobayashi, Y
Osaka University, Toyonaka city, Osaka,

Nakamichi, T
Osaka University, Toyonaka city, Osaka,

Pages: 15    Published: Jan 2002

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Abstract

Chemical states of Fe and Sn were investigated by Mössbauer spectroscopy using a specially made Zircaloy-4 sheet in which ⁵⁷Fe and ¹¹⁹Sn isotopes were enriched. Chemical states were compared between these elements in matrix and in oxide corroded in steam at 400°C. As a result, almost all of Fe in Zircaloy-4 matrix precipitated as the intermetallic compounds Zr(Cr^0.33,Fe^0.67)². Fe in ZrO² existed as Fe²⁺ ions and intermetallic compounds. The amount of Fe²⁺ in ZrO² increased with oxidation of Zircaloy-4 during corrosion testing, especially in ZrO² near the outside surface. Sn dissolved in Zircaloy-4 matrix, and no Zr-Sn intermetallic precipitates were found. Sn exists as Sn²⁺ and Sn⁴⁺ in ZrO². Correspondence of the alloying element in Zircaloy-4 to corrosion procedure is discussed.