Impedance studies of the oxide layer on zircaloy after previous oxidation in water vapour at 400°C

Abstract

Zircaloy samples were oxidized in water vapour at 400°C and 105 bar for up to 90 days. The samples were then studied by EIS in 0.5 M K 2SO 4 at 20–200°C (1–15 bar). Evaluation yields data about layer thickness, irreversible penetration of electrolyte into pores aided by increasing pressure, activation energies of transport processes from the temperature dependence of kinetic parameters.