Phase constitution and steam corrosion resistance of binary Zr–S alloys

The solubility limit of sulfur in alpha zirconium is about 20 ppm. This value is similar to the sulfur content leading to the maximum improvement in creep strength. In amounts up to 850 ppm, sulfur also has an extremely beneficial effect on the steam corrosion resistance at 400 °C. Thus, while sulfur in solid solution markedly enhances creep strength, the presence of sulfide precipitates has an additional favorable influence on the corrosion behavior.