Oxidation Behavior Of Zr9s2 Precipitates In Zr-0 Center Dot 8sn-1 Center Dot 0nb-0 Center Dot 3fe-0 Center Dot 1cr-Xs Alloys

Effect of trace sulphur (16-540 mu g/g, S) on the corrosion resistance of zirconium alloys and oxidation behavior of Zr9S2 precipitates were investigated. Results show that S dissolved in alpha-Zr is among 63 similar to 170 mu g/g. Layered Zr9S2 particles precipitate when S addition reaches 170 mu g/g. Zr9S2 precipitates oxidize easily and contribute to humps in the oxide films. Oxidation of Zr9S2 precipitates causes regular shaped cavities with nanometer size grains at the inner surfaces of oxide films. The presence of cauliflower-shaped humps at the inner surfaces of oxide films is also discussed. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.