ZIRCONIUM-BASED ALLOY FOR ELEMENTS USED IN NUCLEAR REACTOR CORES

摘要

The present invention relates to a zirconium-based alloy which is intended for elements used in nuclear reactor cores and comprises the following elements: from 0.5 to 3.0 wt % of niobium; from 0.005 to 0.5 wt % of iron; from 0.03 to 0.2 wt % of oxygen; from 0.001 to 0.04 wt % of carbon; from 0.002 to 0.1 wt % of silicon; from 0.003 to 0.02 wt % of nickel; the balance consisting of zirconium. The alloy structure is characterised in that it has a alpha -hardness temper and contains beta Nb-phase particles having a size not exceeding 0.1 mu m, the base having a niobium content of 60 to 95 %. This alloy may also includes particles of Zr-Fe-Nb intermetallic compounds, wherein the ratio between the iron and the niobium ranges from 0.05 to 0.2. This alloy structure may also be characterised by a alpha -hardness temper reinforced by oxygen and by beta Nb-phase particles and may also include particles of Zr-Fe-Nb intermetallic compounds having a size not exceeding 0.3 mu m.