CHARACTERIZATION OF PRECIPITATES IN ZRY-4 AND IN THE OXIDE GROWN LAYER

In the present work we report the results obtained in our study of the characterization of the second phase precipitates (particles) present in the Zry- 4 alloy, widely used in the nuclear industry, before and after oxidation treatments. Particles were grown by different heat tre atments. Some of them were afterwards oxided at 650 degrees C in an op en furnace. Scanning Electron Microscopy techniques (SEM) allowed the obtention of the precipitates sire and distribution. According to the heat treatment precipitates between 1 and 5 microns were observed Ener gy Dispersive (EDX) and Wavelength Dispersive (EPMA) techniques, revea led the composition changes of the precipitates after oxidation. Those located inside the alloy showed the usual Zrl Crl Fe composition rati o, being Fe: Cr-a 1.4. Precipitates in the oxide grown layer were comp osed only by Zr and Cr.