Study on eutectic-oxidation coupling reaction of Cr-Zr system in high temperature steam environment

The isothermal steam oxidation behavior of Cr-coated Zr-1Nb alloy at 1350 degree celsius and 1400 degree celsius was investigated. The temperatures are above the Cr-Zr eutectic temperature. The reliability of the experimental setup and methodology was confirmed by conducting isothermal steam oxidation experiments on bare Zr-1Nb specimens at 1100 similar to 1400 degree celsius, and the corresponding oxidation kinetics correlation was obtained. After the eutectic-oxidation reaction, the surface of the coated specimens exhibited a "crocodile skin" morphology composed of "ridges" and "hollows", which was attributed to the non-uniform eutectic reaction. Due to the much higher O affinity of Zr compared to Cr, and the higher solubility of Cr in beta-Zr compared to alpha-Zr(O) and ZrO2, the ZrO2 and alpha-Zr(O) layers initially grew on the Cr-Zr eutectic during oxidation. Cr continuously diffused inward and eventually precipitated as Cr-rich phases within the metallic matrix. Three types of Cr-rich phases were observed, with varying oxygen content and reflecting the oxidation process of the Cr-rich phases. The Cr-rich phases were ultimately oxidized into a mixture of Cr2O3 and ZrO2. The parabolic weight gain rates for the oxidation of Cr-Zr eutectic are compared with the oxidation kinetics correlation derived from the bare Zr-1Nb specimens, and the model applicability of the oxidation kinetics correlations of Zr alloys in the simulations of Cr-Zr eutectic-oxidation reaction is discussed.