Oxidation Behavior of Molten Cu-Be Binary and Cu-Be-X (X = Ca or Zr) Ternary Alloys at 1423 K (1150 °C) Under Controlled Oxygen Partial Pressure

Abstract

The oxidation behavior of molten Cu-Be binary and Cu-Be-X (Ca or Zr) ternary alloys was investigated by exposing these molten alloy systems to various Ar-O2 atmospheres to control the oxygen partial pressure from 10 to 105 Pa at 1423 K (1150 °C). The experimental results clarified that the oxygen partial pressure in gas phase affects the morphology of the oxide formed on the surface of the alloy and the oxidation rate of beryllium. At lower oxygen partial pressure, a molten Cu-Be alloy is covered with a homogeneous and compact internal layer of BeO, which leads to a minimization of the beryllium oxidation rate. By adding a small amount of calcium or zirconium into the molten Cu-0.5 mass pct Be alloy, a protective BeO layer is formed even at higher oxygen partial pressure, resulting in achievement of a significant reduction in the beryllium oxidation rate.