Microstructural Characteristics of Oxide Films Grown on Zr–0.7Sn–1Nb–0.03Fe–0.2Ge Alloy Corroded in Lithiated Water at 360 °C

Abstract

The corrosion resistance of a Zr–0.7Sn–1Nb–0.03Fe–0.2Ge (wt%) alloy was investigated by autoclave test in lithiated water with 0.01 M LiOH at 360 °C under a pressure of 18.6 MPa. The microstructure of the oxide film which formed was examined by TEM and SEM. The results revealed that there were a few micro-cracks and more ZrO2 columnar grains in the oxide film formed after exposure for 190 days. The oxidation of second-phase particles (SPPs) was slower than that of α-Zr matrix. The c-ZrO2 was observed around the [Zr–Nb–Fe–Cr–Ge]O SPPs. The amorphous phase produced around the [Zr–Nb–Fe–Cr–Ge]O SPPs could relax the stress in the oxide film. The addition of Ge can reduce micro-pores and micro-cracks formed in oxide film, and delay the microstructural evolution from columnar grains to equiaxed grains. Therefore, the addition of Ge can improve the corrosion resistance of the Zr–0.7Sn–1Nb–0.03Fe alloy.