XPS and AES investigations of the reaction behaviour of iodine with Zircaloy-4 surfaces

The reaction behaviour of gaseous iodine on Zircaloy-4 surfaces is of interest with regard to the corrosion of fuel cladding tubes in light water reactors. XPS and AES have been employed for its investigation as these methods are most suitable because of their small information depth and their sensitivity to chemical states. It has been shown that the formation of zirconium iodide overlayers reduces further iodine uptake indicating a diffusion-controlled reaction. Further results are discussed in detail. (orig.)