Influence of Pt, Fe/Ni/Cr-containing intermetallics and deuterium on the oxidation of Zr-based materials

An in situ gas phase analysis technique and the 18O-SIMS technique are used to evaluate the transport of oxygen and hydrogen in oxidation of Zr-based materials. At 400 °C, it is found that oxygen dissociation efficiency decreases in the order: Pt > Zr2Fe > Zr2Ni > ZrCr2 ⩾ Zircaloy-2. Two Zr-plates partly coated with 200 Å porous Pt, with and respectively without D in the substrate, were oxidized in two stages at 400 °C. SIMS depth profiles in the Pt area show that an enhanced oxidation takes place mainly by inward oxygen transport. A minimum in the oxide thickness was found near the Pt area on both Zr plates. Two Ar-filled Zircaloy-2 tubes with ZrSn liner were exposed at 370 °C to 22 mbar water, filled in from one side. Our experimental results suggest that a proper choice of the SPP composition and size distribution can lead to reduced hydrogen uptake during oxidation of Zr-based materials in water.