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RATES OF DISSOLUTION AND PASSIVATION OF HAFNIUM-FREE ZIRCONIUM IN HYDROFLUORIC ACID

Journal Article · · Corrosion
The dissolution reaction of Zr in HF is: Zr + 4H/sup +/ yields and under the conditions of the experiments is much faster than that of Tl, and is a linear friction of the HF concentration (up to N - 0.5): V - 2000 N mm/sub 3/cm/ sub -2/min/sup -1/. A black hydride film is formed on Zr during its dissolution. Fluoride additions (NH/sub 4/F, KF, NaF) to the acid initially increase the rate of dissolution. When added in greater amounts, passivation of Zr is caused which is quite complete for NaF additions. The order of increasing effectiveness is NH/ sub 4/F yields KF yields NaF, apparently caused by the decreasing solubility of fluozirconate salt film formed on the metal. Potential measurements of Zr in HF showed an approach to a steady potential of about --0.74 volt with increasing concentration of the acid. The potential time curves had in general a logarithemic shapes the potential becoming more positive with elapsing time. Fluoride additions caused a breakdown of the initial film, formed during dissolution in pure HF, and a sudden drop of potential down to -1.112 volt (in 6.5 M NH/sub 4/F). The potential gradually became more positive, because of the salt film formation on the surface of Zrs until a steady potential was reached. Of the three additions, NaF produced and the most positive potential (-0.528 volt) and a complete passivation of Zr. (auth)
Research Organization:
Univ. of Missouri, Rolla; Stanford Research Inst., Menlo Park, Calif.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
NSA Number:
NSA-13-015080
OSTI ID:
4241479
Journal Information:
Corrosion, Journal Name: Corrosion Vol. Vol: 15
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English