Microstructural studies on lattice imperfections in deformed zirconium-base alloys by x-ray diffraction

Abstract

X-ray diffraction intensity data from three compositions of zirconium-base alloys, viz. ZIRCALOY-2, ZIRLO, and Zr-25 pct Nb, having extensive application in nuclear industry were recorded using a PHILIPS PW 1730 X-ray diffractometer. Detailed studies using the recorded diffractometer data, keeping in view the recent trends in the powder diffraction analysis, were carried out with a view to evaluating the microstructural paramaters, including domain size, microstrain, faulting probability, and dislocation density. While faulting appears to be absent in all alloys, the average domain size and root-mean-square (rms) strain appear to be smaller compared to pure zirconium. However, both of these parameters, i.e., average domain size and rms strain tend to increase with the addition of Nb, as in ZIRLO, but display a diminishing trend with higher content of Nb, as is evident in the Zr-2.5 pct Nb alloy.

Ternary Zr–Nb–Fe(O) system: phase diagram at 853 K and corrosion behaviour in the domain Nb<0.8%

“…Indeed, the M5e alloy [6][7][8] is mainly a Zr1Nb-O alloy, while E635 [9][10][11] and ZIRLOe [12][13][14][15][16][17] contain in addition Fe and Sn. As firmly established in the past 20 years, the microstructure of the alloys, which evolves under irradiation, acts on the corrosion behaviour and mechanical properties, as well as on the irradiation growth of the nuclear fuel components.…”

The recycling through melting Zircaloy machining chips, preliminary results

“…Zirconium alloys have been used more extensively in the nuclear industry because of their low shock section for neutron absorption compared to other structural materials [1]. Among these alloys are those known as Zircaloy-4, being mainly applied in the fuel elements of the PWR (Pressurized Water Reactor) type power reactors, which are constituted by an organized set of tubes, where the UO2 pellets are packaged.…”

Recycling of Zircaloy Machining Chips by VAR Remelting and Powder Metallurgy Techniques

“…The mechanical and corrosion properties are closely related to appropriate chemical compositions [1] . The zirconium alloys known as Zircaloy-2, Zircaloy-4 and Zirlo ® are used in the manufacture of some reactor core parts, as claddings, coolant tubes tube guides and spacer grids [1][2][3] . Table 1 shows typical elemental compositions of Zircaloys [4,5] .…”