PURPOSE: To obtain a Zr alloy for nuclear reactor fuel clad pipes excellent in corrosion resistance, by specifying a composition consisting of Sn, Fe, Cr, Ta, and Zr.
CONSTITUTION: The Zr alloy has a composition consisting of, by weight, 0.2W1.7% Sn, 0.18W0.24% Fe, 0.07W0.13% Cr, 0.01W0.1% Ta, and the balance Zr with inevitable impurities and further containing, if necessary, 0.05W1% Nb. This alloy shows excellent corrosion resistance when used for manufacturing nuclear reactor fuel clad pipes to be exposed particularly to high-temp. and high-pressure water or steam, and it can withstand long use. In the above Zr alloy, Sn, Fe, and Cr components have a function of improving corrosion resistance when they coexist together, but, if any of the contents of the above components deviates from the above range, corrosion resistance is deteriorated. Ta component, together with Nb component, improves corrosion resistance, but, when its content exceeds the above upper limit, a neutron-absorbing function is increased and, therefore, nuclear reaction is inhibited or workability of alloy is deteriorated.
SUDA YOSHITAKA
SUDA NOBUO
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