DISSOLUTION OF PASSIVE ZIRCONIUM IN ELECTROLYTE-SOLUTIONS - THE INFLUENCE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

The anodic behavior of passive zirconium in aqueous electrolyte soluti ons is studied by the radiometry technique in conjunction with a varie ty of electrochemical methods and Auger spectroscopy. The conclusion i s made that, generally, there is no direct correlation between the com position of the passivating film on zirconium and the dissolution rate of passive zirconium. Water molecules act as a passivating agent for this metal. Using the acetic-acid electrolyte as an example, the possi bility of increasing the corrosion resistance of passive zirconium by pretreating the metal in an aqueous solution with an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent is demonstrated.