SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1994
STP15215S

Oxidation of Intermetallic Precipitates in Zircaloy-4: Impact of Irradiation

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Intermetallic precipitates are known to play a critical role in the oxidation process of Zircaloys. Since under irradiation they undergo structural changes, a specific study was conducted to analyze whether these transformations modify the oxidation behavior of the Zircaloy-4. Oxidation kinetics in autoclave were measured on reference, ion irradiated, and neutron irradiated materials. In the case of ion-irradiated samples, the oxidation kinetics are changed, while in the case of neutron-irradiated cladding, no significant change is observed after 60 days of oxidation. The behavior of reference and irradiated precipitates during the growth of these oxide layers was analyzed using analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy. Close to the metal-oxide interface, precipitates are incorporated unoxidized in the oxide layer. Then, when oxidized, at a few hundreds of nanometers from this interface, they undergo two major evolutions: their structure becomes either nanocrystalline or occasionally amorphous and an iron redistribution and depletion is observed. In the case of precipitates previously made amorphous by irradiation, a similar behavior is observed. The role of precipitates on the oxidation of the Zircaloy-4 is discussed in terms of interaction of the precipitates with the zirconia layer (stability of the dense oxide layer) and oxidation kinetics.

Author Information

Pêcheur, D
CEA-Grenoble, DTP/SECC, 85X, Grenoble, France
Lefebvre, F
CEA-Grenoble, DTP/SECC, 85X, Grenoble, France
Motta, AT
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Lemaignan, C
CEA-Grenoble, DTP/SECC, 85X, Grenoble, France
Charquet, D
Centre de Recherches d'Ugine, Ugine, France
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Details
Developed by Committee: B10
Pages: 687–705
DOI: 10.1520/STP15215S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5286-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-2011-2