Effects of Adsorbates on Zircaloy Oxidation in Air

Abstract

The air-oxidation of Zry and the effects of adsorbates on the oxidation are found by the intermittent measurement of the weight gain of specimens. NaCl enhances the oxidation, where nonuniform stresses on the surface and Cl ions are the cause. LiOH also enhances the oxidation, where the initial oxide formed by LiOH seems to the reason. The effects of fluorides on oxidation are also measured. NaF is most harmful and KF follows next. LiF does not effect the oxidation of Zry. Diffusion of fluorides in oxide determines the enhancement.