Corrosion behavior and oxide microstructure of Zr-1Nb-xGe alloys corroded in 360 °C/18.6 MPa deionized water. (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Jinlong; Hu, Yang; Tu, Liming; Sun, Fengtao; Yao, Meiyi; Zhou, Bangxin
• Is Part Of: Corrosion science. Volume 102(2016)
• Page Start: 161
• Page End: 167
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: A. Zirconium -- B. TEM -- B. SEM -- C. High temperature corrosion -- C. Oxidation; Corrosion and anti-corrosives -- Periodicals; 620.11223
• DOI: 10.1016/j.corsci.2015.10.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0010-938X

Abstract

Highlights: Corrosion resistance of zirconium alloys is improved by Ge addition. Corrosion resistance is optimal when Ge contents is 0.05%. Ge retards the evolution from columnar grains to equiaxed grains. Ge delays the developing process of defects to form micro-cracks in oxide. The sub-oxide layer identified as cubic-ZrO was detected at oxide/metal interface. Abstract: The corrosion behavior and microstructures of the oxide film on Zr-1Nb- x Ge alloys ( x = 0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2, wt%) corroded in deionized water at 360 °C/18.6 MPa were investigated. Results showed that the Zr-1Nb-0.05Ge alloy possessed much better corrosion resistance than the Zr-1Nb alloy. The Ge dissolved in the α-Zr matrix can retard the microstructural transformation of ZrO2 from the columnar grains to equiaxed grains and delay the process of the defects developing into micro-cracks in the oxide. The amorphous phase produced around the [Zr–Nb–Fe–Cr–O] SPPs can improve the corrosion resistance by relaxing the compressive stress in the oxide films. The sub-oxide layer identified to be cubic-ZrO may improve the corrosion resistance after corrosion transition.