Abstract: The effects of heat treatments and textures on the nodular corrosion resistance of Zircaloy-4 strip have been investigated in superheated steam of 500 °Cand 10.3 MPa by autoclave tests. After heat treatment at 820 °C-1 h and fast cooling, concentrated textures with (0001) ［11 20］ and (0001) ［10 10］ orientations were obtained after grain growth, and the supersaturated solid solution of alloying elements of Fe and Cr in α-Zr matrix was increased simultaneously. (0001) planes with better corrosion resistance were mainly parallel to the rolling plane of the specimens, while (10 10) and (11 20) planes with worse corrosion resistance were on the side planes around the specimens. In this case, the nodular corrosion resistance on the rolling plane of the specimens was improved but the nodular corrosion phenomena could also appear on the side planes around the specimens. The nodular corrosion behavior was closely related to the texture orientations. And it could be completely suppressed when the supersaturated solid solution contents of Fe and Cr in α-Zr matrix were further increased after heat treatment in β phase.

Key words: heat treatments, nodular corrosion, textures, zircaloy-4