CARBIDES IN ZR-2.5NB ALLOYS - PRECIPITATION AND EFFECT ON THE HYDRIDING AND OXIDATION BEHAVIOR

The effect of size and distribution of carbide particles on oxidation and hydriding was studied in a Zr-2. 5Nb alloy. Enhanced corrosion tes ts were performed in aqueous solution of LiOH at high pressure and tem perature. Chains of carbides, connected with the exposed surface, prom oted inner oxidation, a result that had been previously obtained in st eam. Some evidence of increase in hydrogen uptake was detected, which would be associated with the oxide/metal interfaces produced by inner oxidation of the carbide phase.