Hydrogen Absorption by Zircaloy-2 and Some Other Alloys during Corrosion in Steam

Abstract

Results for hydrogen uptake by Zircaloy‐2 during corrosion in steam are presented. The hydrogen absorption curve consists of three regions: in the first, covering the growth of the interference‐color oxide film, about 30–50% of the hydrogen released by the corrosion reaction is absorbed; in the second, hydrogen absorption falls to a low value; and in the third, following the transition in the oxidation kinetics, it rises to 80–100% of the hydrogen released by the corrosion reaction during this period. A mechanism for the hydrogen absorption is offered based on the differing oxidation mechanisms in these three periods. The hydrogen absorption behavior of other alloys is similar for those alloys which show oxidation kinetics similar to Zircaloy‐2.