Open AccessReview of the oxidation rate of zirconium alloys.
Author(s) -
R.A. Causey,
Donald F. Cowgill,
Robert H. Nilson
Publication year - 2005
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/876346
Subject(s) - zirconium , oxide , zirconium alloy , oxygen , layer (electronics) , materials science , oxidation process , phase (matter) , chemistry , metallurgy , chemical engineering , nanotechnology , organic chemistry , engineering
The oxidation of zirconium alloys is one of the most studied processes in the nuclear industry. The purpose of this report is to provide in a concise form a review of the oxidation process of zirconium alloys in the moderate temperature regime. In the initial ''pre-transition'' phase, the surface oxide is dense and protective. After the oxide layer has grown to a thickness of 2 to 3 {micro}m's, the oxidation process enters the ''post-transition'' phase where the density of the layer decreases and becomes less protective. A compilation of relevant data suggests a single expression can be used to describe the post-transition oxidation rate of most zirconium alloys during exposure to oxygen, air, or water vapor. That expression is: Oxidation Rate = 13.9 g/(cm{sup 2}-s-atm{sup -1/6}) exp(-1.47 eV/kT) x P{sup 1/6} (atm{sup 1/6})