SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1996
STP16175S

Investigation of In-Pile Grown Corrosion Films on Zirconium-Based Alloys

Source

In-pile grown corrosion films on different fuel rod claddings (standard Zircaloy-4, extra low tin Zircaloy (ELS), and Zr2.5Nb) have been studied using a variety of experimental techniques. The aim of the investigations was to find out common features and differences between the corrosion layers grown on zirconium alloys having different composition. Methods applied were scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and electrochemical anodization. The morphology and topography of these oxide layers are, in general, of common nature. However, morphological differences have been observed between the specimens that could explain the irradiation enhancement of corrosion of Zircaloy-4. The features of the compact oxide close to the oxide/metal interface have been characterized by electrochemical methods. The relationship between the thickness of this protective oxide and the overall oxide thickness has been investigated by EIS. It was found that this relation is dependent on the location of the oxide along the fuel rod and on the corrosion rate.

Author Information

Gebhardt, O
Laboratory for Materials Behavior, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
Hermann, A
Laboratory for Materials Behavior, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
Bart, G
Laboratory for Materials Behavior, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
Blank, H
Laboratory for Materials Behavior, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
Garzarolli, F
Nuclear Fuel Cycle Joint Technology and Materials Issues, Siemens AG, Power Generation Group (KWU), Erlangen, Germany
Ray, ILF
EU Institute for Transuranium Elements, Karlsruhe, Germany
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Details
Developed by Committee: B10
Pages: 218–241
DOI: 10.1520/STP16175S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5343-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-2406-6