Cadmium metal embrittlement of Zircaloy-2

Studies are reported on embrittlement of this alloy by Cd in the temperature region 3000 to 3400C. Embrittlement occurred in the presence of solid Cd at 3000C, liquid Cd at 3400C, and Cd dissolved in liquid Cs at both temperatures, but Cs alone did not embrittle the alloy over this temperature range. Photographs are shown of fracture surfaces of samples broken in Cs and in Cs saturated with Cd. The fracture in Cs alone shows a typical ductile morphology similar to that observed in an Ar environment, but that in Cs + Cd appears non-ductile. (U.K.)