Corrosion properties of Zircaloy-4 and M5 under simulated PWR water conditions

Shibata, Akira ; Kato, Yoshiaki; Taguchi, Taketoshi ; Futakawa, Masatoshi  ; Maekawa, Katsuhiro*

Cladding material Zircaloy-4 is gradually replaced by M5 (Zr-Nb alloy) and other new Nb added Zirconium alloys which are expected to have long operating life. Corrosion tests on Zircaloy-4 and M5 were performed in various hydrogen concentrations in water to research corrosion properties of those alloys. Specimens were exposed under PWR conditions. Increase of oxide layer was analysed by weight gain and observation. Electro chemical impedance spectroscopy was performed to compare corrosion properties. And effect of dissolved hydrogen concentration on increase of oxide layer of M5 is smaller than that of Zircaloy-4. M5 is less affected by local uniformity of dissolved hydrogen concentration and is more suitable as PWR fuel cladding. Results of Electro chemical spectroscopy shows that structural significant difference existed in oxidizing reaction of Zircaloy-4 and M5.