Zr-Sn-Nb-Fe-Si-O alloy for fuel cladding candidate: Processing, microstructure, corrosion resistance and tensile behavior

A Zr-Sn-Nb-Fe-Si-O alloy was prepared and its microstructure, corrosion properties, hydrogen pick-up, and mechanical behavior were investigated and correlated. Both the conventional rolled and annealed specimens (Group A) and the second β-quenched specimens (Group B) possess proper corrosion resistance and hydrogen pick-up capability within 200 days exposure in LiOH aqueous solution, which are related to the suitable chemical composition, partial recrystallized microstructure and fine second phase particles. Group A at 380 °C has slightly larger ductility in elongation than that at room temperature, whilst the elongation of Group B at 380 °C increases nearly twice of that at room temperature.