Can zirconium store hydrogen

Is -Zr a trapping site for hydrogen in zirconium?

In this work experimental evidence, supported by density functional theory modelling, shows that the α-Zr matrix surrounding second phase particles acts as a trapping site for hydrogen, which has not been previously reported in zirconium.

How does the ingress of hydrogen affect zirconium-based alloys?

The ingress of hydrogen into zirconium-based alloys can have a significant impact on the mechanical behavior of components used in a high temperature aqueous environment, such as light water reactors. Hydrogen is produced in the corrosion reaction, and a significant fraction (depending on the zirconium alloy) is picked up by the metal.

What can hydrides tell us about zirconium?

They can be employed to provide information about hydrogen diffusion in zirconium, thermodynamic and elastic properties of hydrides, interfacial energies between alpha Zr and hydride phases, as well as some clues as to the formation path of hydrides during precipitation.

Are zirconium alloys safe?

Zirconium alloys are used in safety–critical roles in the nuclear industry and their degradation due to ingress of hydrogen in service is a concern.

What is the concentration of hydrogen in solid solution in zirconium alloys?

The concentration of hydrogen in solid solution in zirconium alloys at the TSS is small: less than 1 wt ppm at room temperature, reaching 65 wt ppm at ∼310 °C, and below 120 wt ppm at maximum operating temperatures, of about 340 °C [, , , , ].

Why is zirconium a brittle hydride?

Due to its high diffusivity and low solubility in zirconium metal, the interstitial hydrogen in zirconium readily migrates under gradients in concentration, temperature and stress, and in sufficient quantities precipitates into a brittle hydride phase.