Zirconium alloy and manufacture

Abstract

A Zr based alloy with 7-15% by weight Nb and 0.5-3% by weight Al can be quenched in water from 1000 DEG C to largely retain beta phase. It is then deformable at room temperature to produce martensite. The alloy, which can be made in an electric arc furnace and forged at 900 DEG C to destroy the original solidification structure, is particularly suitable for structural components and fuel elements of nuclear reactors.