Method of elastic energy minimization for evaluation of transition parameters in oxidation kinetics of Zr alloys

Temperature sensitivity and transition kinetics of uniform corrosion of zirconium alloys in superheated steam

“…Stress accumulation in oxide scale and tetragonal zirconia (t-ZrO 2 ) to monoclinic zirconia ( m -ZrO 2 ) transformation at oxide/metal (O/M) interface were proposed as two possible transition mechanisms [ 13 , 14 ]. It is obviously observed that the O/M interface undulation grew with time and the wavy interface induced cracking in the oxide film, which was believed to demonstrate strain energy accumulation at O/M interface [ [15] , [16] , [17] ]. But this accumulation was still unable to effectively interpret the influence of elements on transition.…”

Raman study of oxide layers on zirconium alloys using 18O tracers

“…The main alloying elements present in zirconium alloys are niobium and tin. Those alloys are used in nuclear power engineering for their advantageous proprieties, such as low effective cross-section for capture of thermal neutrons, good thermal conductivity, high corrosion resistance, satisfactory mechanical properties within temperature range of the cooling medium, and resistance to radiation damage [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].…”

“…The monoclinic phase (m-ZrO 2 ) is usually present throughout the corrosion layer, however, usually there is a narrow band of tetragonal oxide (t-ZrO 2 ) present at the metal/oxide interface [20][21][22][23][24]. The tetragonal oxide can also be found between single grains of monoclinic oxide [5,7,11,15,16]. Reasons why tetragonal phase stabilises at metal/oxide interface are also yet unclear, however, several studies suggest the main contributing factors leading to stabilisation of this phase include high mechanical stresses inside the oxide, small crystal size and presence of alloying elements (Sn, Nb) [5,7,8,11,17,21,23,24] and radiation damage [19].…”

“…The aforementioned conditions can also cause decomposition of water, forming oxygen and hydrogen during this process. These elements can further negatively affect the cladding materials, which in turn leads to their greater wear, thus limiting their lifetime [5]. Consequences of alloy oxidation include lower heat transfer through the material and a decrease in its tensile strength.…”