Investigating zirconium alloy corrosion with advanced experimental techniques: A review

Zirconium-based alloys (Zr alloys) are key materials in the nuclear industry due to their thermal stability, mechanical durability, and low thermal neutron cross section. However, corrosion can significantly impact their integrity and lifespan. The corrosion of Zr alloys involves dynamic processes such as phase transformations, element redistributions, stress accumulation, volumetric changes, and formation of defects in oxide films. Recent advancements in experimental techniques have improved our understanding of these phenomena and our ability to predict material behavior in extreme environments. This review focuses on the knowledge gained through the application of advanced experimental techniques to enhance the understanding of zirconium alloy oxidation and hydrogen pick-up in nuclear environments.