journal article·2021-09Open access

The speciation of niobium in the oxide layer of an irradiated Low-Tin ZIRLO nuclear material

J. Hawes, P. Warnicke, P. Burr, D. Ferreira Sanchez, D. Grolimund, J. Partezana, Y.-L. Chiu, S. Abolhassani

Corrosion Science· Volume 190

Abstract

In this study the oxidation state of niobium, within the oxide layer of a low-tin ZIRLO1 irradiated in a nuclear reactor, is examined using synchrotron. The unique set up allows simultaneous acquisition of X-ray florescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) maps. A gradual oxidation and evolution of niobium is observed and quantified which is then compared with the information on the distribution of oxide phases revealed by XRD. The results are discussed with the aim to better understand the hydrogen uptake mechanism for this material, particularly the cause of the increased resistance to hydrogen uptake seen in niobium containing alloys.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Nuclear Materials and Properties · Nuclear reactor physics and engineering · Radioactive element chemistry and processing

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