Interplay of diffusion and phase transformations in microstructural evolution of the interaction zone between U–9 wt.% Mo and Zr–1 wt.% Nb alloys

Abstract

Metallurgical interaction between U–9 wt.% Mo metallic fuel alloy and Zr–1 wt.% Nb clad material has been assessed. Interdiffusion of constituent elements across their interface, together with the phase reactions occurring at high temperature and during subsequent cooling, resulted in development of a layered interaction zone where coexistence of a bcc solid solution phase with varying compositions, along with α-U, α-Zr and Mo2Zr phases could be noticed.