Properties of zirconium base cladding materials-corrosion and hydrogen pickup

This paper describes first corrosion and hydrogen pickup by zircaloy in water and steam. Out-of-pile corrosion is: treated briefly, as irradiation has major effects on the process. Main emphasis is on hydrogen pickup in-pile, as experience with the Shippingport Atomic Power Station core has led to the conclusion that susceptibility to hydriding is the major factor in determining the ultimate limits on the useful life of zirconiumbase cladding, rather than loss of wall thickness. The principal alloys used or considered are discussed.