Zirconium-based alloys with creep resistance and corrosion resistance to water and steam, their production and use in nuclear reactors

摘要

Alloys comprising preferably at least 96% of zirconium by weight also contain 8-100, preferably 8-30 ppm of sulphur. Also claimed is use of such alloys in a nuclear fuel rod sheath, in a container for a bundle of fuel rods or in a guide tube forming part of a fuel assembly. Further claims relate to making such alloys wherein zirconia, containing or free of sulphur, is added to molten alloy, or wherein tin sulphide or iron sulphide are added to the alloy.