| abstract |
The invention relates to zirconium-based alloys and articles produced therefrom, such as tubing or strips, which have at least one of excellent corrosion resistance to water or steam and creep resistance at elevated temperatures in a nuclear reactor. The alloys include from about 0.2 to 1.5 weight percent niobium, from about 0.01 to 0.6 weight percent iron, from about 0.0 to 0.8 weight percent tin, from about 0.0 to 0.5 weight percent chromium, from about 0.0 to 0.3 weight percent copper, from about 0.0 to 0.3 weight percent vanadium, and from about 0.0 to 0.1 weight percent nickel with the balance at least 97 weight percent zirconium, including impurities. Further, the articles are formed by processes that include final heat treatment of (i) SRA or PRXA (0-33% RXA), or (ii) RXA or PRXA (80-100% RXA). |