weight gain

Oxidation and Nitriding Tubes of Zr-1%Nb Zirconium Alloy

The work presents results of saturation of Zr-1% Nb tubes after processing in oxygen- and nitrogen- containing gas environments. The distribution of micro-hardness in the thickness of the tube and the thickness of the hardened layers, the weight gain was determined. It is found that the oxidation of the Zr-1%Nb alloy (Т = 650°С, РО2=2.6·10-1 Pа, τ = 3…20 h) makes a greater weight gain than nitriding (Т = 650°С, τ = 5…20 h). The state of the surface of the inside and outside of Zr-1%Nb tubes for fuel cladding depending of the processings time was shown.