X-ray diffraction analysis of oxidized Zr-based alloys

In this contribution the comparative XRD study of ZrlNb and Zircaloy 4 is presented. The aim of the study is to determine residual stresses σ and to analyze the microstructure of oxide layers formed on tubular specimens oxidized under temperature transient conditions (oxidation in water at 360°C with a short-time shock in steam at 500°C). The specimens of the both alloys which had not undergone the temperature transition were also studied. A strongly quantitatively varied texture occurred in oxide layers of specimens oxidized under transient conditions. Thus, the average values of residual stresses σ and crystallite size D in oxide layers can be used as qualitative characteristic for the behavior of the two alloys.