DISPERSION-STRENGTHENED ZIRCONIUM PRODUCTS

摘要

A method of producing dispersion-strengthened zirconium products containing fine particles of yttria, magnesia, cerium oxide or beryllium oxide in a matrix of zirconium or a zirconium alloy. Preferred products are such containing dispersed fine particles of yttria. In the method hydrided zirconium or zirconium alloy in a manner known per se is in a pulverulent state mixed with a fine powder of the oxide, and the mixture is then heated in vacuum with a view to expel hydrogen. Simultaneously or subsequently, the mixture is - in a compressed condition - sintered. This heating operation for expelling hydrogen and sintering the mixture is carried out at a temperature below 800 DEG C, and preferably below 750 DEG C. Prefered dispersion-strengthened zirconium products are characterized by having the metal oxide particles, of an average size not substantially exceeding 0,5 mu and preferably between 0,01 and 0,5 mu , dispersed in the said matrix having an average particle size not exceeding 5 mu and preferably between 1 and 3 mu .