In contrast to the mode of breakdown in Zircaloy-2 and carbon-melted zirconium the oxide film on arc-melted zirconium corroded in steam or water at 300 C fails initially as a result of more rapid oxidation along grain boundaries. Stresses set up in the oxide film by this preferential attack along grain boundaries cause cracking of the film parallel to the grain boundaries. Subsequent failure within the grains causes the final disintegration of the oriented protective oxide and its replacement by a loose coating of unoriented ZrO2. 6.3.20

Subject
Thin films, Oxides, Diffusion, Zirconium, Oxide films, Metal oxides, Micrography, Mechanical failure, Film formation, Color, Cracking, Grain boundary, Grain
© 1960 National Association of Corrosion Engineers
1960
You do not currently have access to this content.