zirconium alloys

Aim. Study of the kinetics of oxidation of zirconium alloy Zr-1% Nb and Zr with heating in air, depending on the heating rate and processing time. Method. Zirconium alloy Zr-1% Nb and zirconium of vacuum remelting were chosen as the material of the studies. For the thermal treatment, a laboratory electric furnace SNOL30/1300 was used. The heating rate was varied from 2.5°C/min. up to 20°С/min., and cooled together with the furnace.

Zirconium alloys have unique properties (physical, mechanical, radiation) is therefore are an essential structural material for nuclear energy. A feature of these alloys is high affinity to the interstitial elements (O, N). Saturation of oxygen and nitrogen occurs during the technological and exploitation heating. The dissolved interstitial elements greatly effect on the properties of finished products. The proposed results of experimental researches will expand the notions of patterns of relationship of the influence of elements interstitial on the properties of the zirconium alloy.