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ZIRCONIUM ALLOYS: CORROSION RESISTANCE AND STRENGTH ARE IMPROVING

Journal Article · · Materials in Design Eng.
OSTI ID:4078990

A review is presented on the properties of zirconium and zirconium alloys and their possible applications in fields other than reactors, especially in the chemical processing industries. Resiatance to CC/sub 2/ corrosion at temperatures up to 930 deg F can be obtained by adding 0.5% each of copper and molybdenum to zirconium. Tin and aluminum additions to zirconium stabilize the high-strength alpha phase up to 1200 deg F. The properties of Zircaloys and Al- Zr and Sn-Zr alloys at 1200 deg F are tabulated. However, most uses outside the reactor field are limited to commercial zirconium containing 2% hafnium. The corrosion rates of zirconium by a large number of acids, alkalis, chlorides, etc., are tabulated. On the basis of its corrosion resistance, zirconium may replace stainless steel or titanium in some applications. The use of zirconium as a getter material for oxygen and in flashbulbs is discussed. (D.L.C.)

Research Organization:
Illinois Inst. of Tech., Armour Research Foundation, Chicago
NSA Number:
NSA-15-011652
OSTI ID:
4078990
Journal Information:
Materials in Design Eng., Journal Name: Materials in Design Eng. Vol. Vol: 53: No. 2
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English