[en] Coatings of ZrSi/Zr₂Si on zirconium were prepared by deposition of silicon from monosilane on heated zirconium samples. The oxidation of these coatings by oxygen or water vapour follows the general rate law (Δm)sup(n) = kt (n approximately = 1.6). These kinetic results can be explained by the existence of two different silicide layers. At the lowest water vapour pressures, the kinetic behaviour is different; the formation of volatile SiO can account for this phenomenon. The experiments have shown the good corrosion resistance of this coating compared with that of pure zirconium. For example, in oxygen atmospheres the weight gains are about eight times less for silicides than for zirconium. (author)