Corrosion of Zirconium Alloys

When zirconium alloys are used in water-cooled reactors, they are subjected to waterside corrosion. As a result, an oxide thickness forms at the interface and hydrogen is being picked up by the substrate. The emphasis of this article is on uniform oxidation and hydrogen embrittlement and how environmental factors such as irradiation may affect them. The coupled processes of oxidation and hydriding are described comprehensively in terms of their underlying mechanisms. Results from experiments and models highlighting these mechanisms are also reported.