Influence of Deformation on the Hydrogen Saturation of Zr–1%Nb Alloy After Oxidation and Nitriding

We present the characteristics of samples of Zr–1%Nb alloy cut out from fuel cladding tubes saturated with hydrogen. The samples are preliminarily treated, namely, oxidized at T = 580°С and P = 1.33 Pа for τ = 3 h and nitrided at T = 580°C and PN2 = 105 Pa for τ = 9 h. A part of samples was subjected to tensile loading (0.8σT). In the as-delivered state and after oxidation or nitriding, no differences were detected in the character of changes in the curves of hydrogen release in the course of heating as compared with samples loaded (0.8σT) immediately prior to saturation. We established an insignificant increase in the yield limit and ultimate strength of the material with preservation of the level of plasticity of the material.