Pitting Potential of Zircaloy-2 in Artificial Seawater under Gamma-Ray Irradiation

Abstract

Pitting potentials of zircaloy-2 in artificial seawater were measured as a function of chloride concentration or solution temperature with and without gamma-ray irradiation. The corrosion potentials of zircaloy-2 were also measured over 720 h. The pitting potential with gamma-ray irradiation was slightly greater than that without the irradiation. In both cases with and without the irradiation, the corrosion potentials of zircaloy-2 did not exceed the pitting potential. The pitting potential under irradiation was decreased with increasing chloride concentration and/or solution temperature.