EFFECT OF THE SEGREGATION-INDUCED POTENTIAL BARRIER ON GAS SOLID KINETICS - IMPACT ON CORROSION KINETICS OF ZIRCALOY/

The surface vs. bulk defect chemistry of zirconia is considered in ter ms of electrical properties, such as electrical conductivity (bulk) an d work function (surface). The difference between the two is considere d in terms of segregation-induced concentration gradients. It is postu lated that the transport of charged defects through the interface laye r of zirconia may be influenced strongly by the local electric field, which is formed within this layer across the segregation-induced conce ntration gradients. The effect of this field on the oxidation kinetics of metals and alloys, such as Zircaloy, is considered. (C) 1997 Elsev ier Science B.V.