X-Ray Diffraction Analysis of Oxide Layers of Zr-Based Alloys

Abstract

The results of X-ray diffraction analysis of macroscopic stresses σ and crystallite size D in oxide layers are presented in this contribution. The oxide layers were formed on tubular specimens of Zircaloy 4 and Zr1Nb alloys which were simultaneously oxidized for various times under temperature transient conditions (oxidation in water at 360 °C with a short-time shock in steam at 500 °C). A qualitative relation was outlined between the residual stresses in oxide layers and corrosion kinetics of the alloys under investigation.