Surface modification of Zircaloy-4 substrates with nickel zirconium intermetallics

► Oxidation performance of Zircaloy-4 tailored via NiZr intermetallic coating. ► Parametric design of experiments used to optimize surface modification approach. ► Microstructural evolution correlated with weight gain and hydrogen absorption. Surfaces of Zircaloy-4 (Zr-4) substrates were modified wi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of nuclear materials 2013-02, Vol.433 (1-3), p.514-522
Main Authors: Luscher, Walter G., Gilbert, Edgar R., Pitman, Stan G., Love, Edward F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Asymptotic properties
Controled nuclear fusion plants
Electroplating
Energy
Energy. Thermal use of fuels
Exact sciences and technology
Fission nuclear power plants
Fuels
Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy
Intermetallics
Nickel
Nuclear fuels
Oxidants
Oxidation
Partial pressure
Zirconium
Zirconium base alloys
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Summary:► Oxidation performance of Zircaloy-4 tailored via NiZr intermetallic coating. ► Parametric design of experiments used to optimize surface modification approach. ► Microstructural evolution correlated with weight gain and hydrogen absorption. Surfaces of Zircaloy-4 (Zr-4) substrates were modified with nickel–zirconium (NiZr) intermetallics to tailor oxidation performance for specialized applications. Surface modification was achieved by electroplating Zr-4 substrates with nickel (Ni) and then performing thermal treatments to fully react the Ni plating with the substrates, which resulted in a coating of NiZr intermetallics on the substrate surfaces. Both plating thickness and thermal treatment were evaluated to determine the effects of these fabrication parameters on oxidation performance and to identify an optimal surface modification process. Isothermal oxidation tests were performed on surface-modified materials at 290°, 330°, and 370°C under a constant partial pressure of oxidant (i.e., 1kPa D2O in dry Ar at 101kPa) for 64days. Test results revealed an enhanced, transient oxidation rate that decreased asymptotically toward the rate of the Zr-4 substrate. Oxidation kinetics were analyzed from isothermal weight gain data, which were correlated with microstructure, hydrogen pickup, strength, and hardness.
ISSN:0022-3115
1873-4820
DOI:10.1016/j.jnucmat.2012.05.039