An Investigation of the Effect of Tin on Zirconium Alloy Oxide Morphology
Open Access
Author:
Gee, Jessica Marie
Area of Honors:
Interdisciplinary in Mechanical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Arthur Thompson Motta, Thesis Supervisor Seungjin Kim, Thesis Honors Advisor Dr. Hosam Kadry Fathy, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
zirconium tin oxide SEM imaging
Abstract:
This study aims to investigate oxide formation in zirconium-tin binary alloys as compared to pure zirconium corroded in an oxygen environment. An analysis of oxide morphology with a focus on the metal-oxide interface is meant to establish the influence of tin content on the formation of instabilities in zirconium oxide, leading to breakaway corrosion. The oxide formed on three alloys of varying tin content are compared with those formed on zirconium crystal bar and zirconium sponge to characterize the role tin plays in altering the formation of oxide in these metals. Optical microscopy as well as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) imaging are used to observe the cross-sectional oxide growth. Increasing tin content increases the oxide thickness. The comparison between these alloys allows for the examination of stable, unstable, and breakaway oxide behavior. Preferential oxide growth occurs at grain boundaries, and develops into instabilities that permeate into grains within the metal. Breakaway behavior causes a dramatic increase in oxidation rate.
