Abstract
Cr coatings have been deposited on the outer surface of zircaloy-4 tube with well control of thickness variations along the tube axis. A series of samples have been oxidized in high temperature steam environment at 1200 °C for different durations. Cr2O3 layers are formed on the surface of the Cr coatings after high temperature oxidation, however, we have found that the thickness of the Cr2O3 layers increases first, and then decreases. The reason is because the Cr2O3 is reduced by the zirconium substrate when the thickness of Cr2O3 reaches its maximum. More detailed study revealed that the entire process can be divided into three stages: initial oxidation stage (I); reduction stage (II); and the oxidation of the sub-coating zirconium at a lower rate than the uncoated Zry4 (III). In addition, precipitation of secondary phases both within the coatings and the zirconium substrate has been studied in detail which plays an important role during the oxidation process. Therefore, the oxidization behavior of the Cr-Zr system is more complex than generally assumed. This study has provided sufficient experimental evidences for the redox reaction between the Cr coating and Zry4 substrate. Diffusion channels of oxygen ions during the reduction reaction have also been studied systematically.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
