Refractory Metal Zircaloy-2
UNS R60802 · ASTM B350/B811
Zircaloy-2 is a nuclear-grade Zr-Sn-Fe-Cr-Ni alloy (UNS R60802, ASTM B350/B811) valued for its low neutron-absorption cross-section and in-reactor corrosion resistance in high-temperature water and steam.
Reference datasheet — Zircaloy-2 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the RXA condition
Zircaloy-2 tempers and conditions
Zircaloy-2 is supplied in 6 conditions, soft to hard. RXA is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 6 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RXADefault Recrystallization annealed | Standard stocked condition for plate, sheet, strip and bar (ASTM B351/B352); best ductility and formability, used where creep is not the driver. | 320 | 490 | 27 | 180 HB | — |
As hot worked | Mill condition for heavy bar, billet and forgings before final anneal; properties similar to annealed but with more scatter and coarser texture. | 340 | 500 | 22 | 185 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Β-quenched | Used to refine and homogenize the Fe/Cr/Ni second-phase particles for improved uniform-corrosion and nodular-corrosion behaviour in BWR water. | 350 | 540 | 18 | 200 HB | 2.1 % IACS |
Partially recrystallized annealed | Intermediate anneal used on strip/tube when a balance of strength, creep resistance and ductility is wanted. | 420 | 550 | 20 | 196 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Cold worked and stress-relief annealed | Classic cladding/pressure-tube condition per ASTM B811: retains cold-work strength and creep resistance with acceptable ductility. | 500 | 610 | 15 | 96 HRB | — |
Cold worked | Maximum strength/stiffness in tube and strip before any relief anneal; low ductility and high residual stress, normally an intermediate mill state. | 620 | 700 | 9 | 23 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
What is Zircaloy-2?
Zircaloy-2 is a nuclear-grade Zr-Sn-Fe-Cr-Ni alloy (UNS R60802, ASTM B350/B811) valued for its low neutron-absorption cross-section and in-reactor corrosion resistance in high-temperature water and steam. It is used for BWR fuel cladding and core structural hardware, supplied as seamless tube, strip, sheet, plate and bar in RXA, PRXA, SRA, CW, BQ and HW conditions; typical values are 320 MPa yield, 490 MPa tensile, 27% elongation and 180 HB (89 HRB). Service is normally limited to about 400 °C, machinability is low (score 35) and fine chips are pyrophoric. Where in-reactor hydrogen pickup must be minimised, the nickel-free Zircaloy-4 is the usual alternative. Zircaloy-2 has a density of 6.56 g/cm³ (0.237 lb/in³), lighter than 71% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 1,760°C (3,200 °F). Zircaloy-2 has a yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) — weaker than 52% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 27% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi).
What is Zircaloy-2 used for?
- BWR fuel cladding
- Reactor structural components
- Fuel assembly hardware
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 27%, better than 78% of refractory metal grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 13.5 W/m·K (7.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of refractory metal grades
- Low stiffness — 97 GPa (14.1 Msi), worse than 91% of refractory metal grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 2.3 % IACS, worse than 90% of refractory metal grades
Zircaloy-2 properties
Typical room-temperature values for Zircaloy-2-RXA; bars are the position among refractory metal grades.
Physical3
Zircaloy-2 has a density of 6.56 g/cm³ (0.237 lb/in³), lighter than 71% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 1,760°C (3,200 °F).
Mechanical16
Zircaloy-2 has a yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) — weaker than 52% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 27% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi).
Thermal6
Zircaloy-2 is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 13.5 W/m·K (7.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of refractory metal grades. Thermal expansion is 6 µm/m·K (3.33 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
Zircaloy-2 conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, worse than 90% of refractory metal grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (90/100), better than 75% of refractory metal grades.
Sustainability3
Producing a kilogram of Zircaloy-2 takes about 1,300 MJ of energy and emits 85 kg of CO₂ — more than 57% of refractory metal grades. Typical recycled content is 5%.
Manufacturability8
Zircaloy-2's machinability is fair (35/100, better than 81% of refractory metal grades); weldability very good (70/100); formability good (60/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the refractory metal family
Yield strength against density for every refractory metal grade FabDigit runs. Zircaloy-2 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with Zircaloy-2
Is Zircaloy-2 easy to machine?
Machine like a gummy austenitic stainless: sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy flood coolant, slow speed / generous feed to avoid galling and work-hardening — and manage fine chips and swarf as a fire hazard (never let dust accumulate, no water on a Zr fire).
Can Zircaloy-2 be welded?
GTAW, plasma or EB weld with high-purity argon/helium plus trailing shield and back purge (or vacuum); keep O, N, C and H pickup low, clean/pickle before welding, no filler contamination — discoloured (straw/blue-grey) welds must be cut out.
Can Zircaloy-2 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold roll, pilger and bend readily in the annealed state (bend radius ≥2–3 t, watch strong hcp texture and springback); warm form at 200–400 °C for tight radii, and always intermediate-anneal/stress-relieve heavily cold-worked tube.
Zircaloy-2 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Snsolid-solution strengthener | 1.2 – 1.7 | 1.45 |
| Fe | 0.07 – 0.2 | 0.15 |
| Cr | 0.05 – 0.15 | 0.1 |
| Nidistinguishes Zry-2 from Zry-4; raises hydrogen pickup | 0.03 – 0.08 | 0.05 |
| Fe+Cr+Nisum limit per ASTM B350 | 0.18 – 0.38 | 0.3 |
| Ocontrolled strengthener (per ASTM B811/purchase spec) | 0.09 – 0.16 | 0.12 |
| Hfnuclear-grade limit, 100 ppm max | ≤ 0.01 | |
| C | ≤ 0.03 | |
| N80 ppm max | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Si | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Al | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Zrbalance, ~97.5 % nominal | balance |
What surface finishes work on Zircaloy-2?
Pickle in HNO3-HF and rinse to restore the passive oxide (also removes hydrogen-rich machined layer); grit blast with clean media only, avoid iron contamination, optional anodic or autoclave oxide film for appearance/galling — no electroplating in nuclear service.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Refractory Metal Zircaloy-2 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- R60802
- ASTM
- B350/B811
How much does Zircaloy-2 cost?
Zircaloy-2 is a high-cost refractory metal ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Zircaloy-2 — frequently asked
What is Zircaloy-2 used for?
Zircaloy-2 is typically used for BWR fuel cladding, reactor structural components and fuel assembly hardware. In short: standard BWR cladding alloy; very low neutron absorption; nickel-bearing Zircaloy grade.
What is the yield strength of Zircaloy-2?
Zircaloy-2 has a typical yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) — weaker than 52% of refractory metal grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is Zircaloy-2 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (35/100, better than 81% of refractory metal grades). Machine like a gummy austenitic stainless: sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy flood coolant, slow speed / generous feed to avoid galling and work-hardening — and manage fine chips and swarf as a fire hazard (never let dust accumulate, no water on a Zr fire).
Can Zircaloy-2 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). GTAW, plasma or EB weld with high-purity argon/helium plus trailing shield and back purge (or vacuum); keep O, N, C and H pickup low, clean/pickle before welding, no filler contamination — discoloured (straw/blue-grey) welds must be cut out.
What surface finishes work on Zircaloy-2?
Pickle in HNO3-HF and rinse to restore the passive oxide (also removes hydrogen-rich machined layer); grit blast with clean media only, avoid iron contamination, optional anodic or autoclave oxide film for appearance/galling — no electroplating in nuclear service.
Can Zircaloy-2 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold roll, pilger and bend readily in the annealed state (bend radius ≥2–3 t, watch strong hcp texture and springback); warm form at 200–400 °C for tight radii, and always intermediate-anneal/stress-relieve heavily cold-worked tube.
What is the maximum service temperature of Zircaloy-2?
Zircaloy-2 is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between Zircaloy-2-RXA and Zircaloy-2-CW?
RXA is the default condition — standard stocked condition for plate, sheet, strip and bar (ASTM B351/B352); best ductility and formability, used where creep is not the driver. CW: maximum strength/stiffness in tube and strip before any relief anneal; low ductility and high residual stress, normally an intermediate mill state. Yield strength is 320 MPa in RXA versus 620 MPa in CW.
How much does Zircaloy-2 cost?
Zircaloy-2 is a high-cost refractory metal ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ASTM B350/B350M — Zr and Zr-alloy ingots for nuclear application — ASTM International (2022)
- ASTM B352/B352M — Zr and Zr-alloy sheet, strip and plate for nuclear application — ASTM International (2022)
- ASTM B811 — wrought Zr-alloy seamless tubes for nuclear reactor fuel cladding — ASTM International (2021)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys (Zirconium and Hafnium) — ASM International (1990)
- MATPRO / SCDAP Zircaloy thermophysical and mechanical property correlations — US NRC / INL (1993)
- Zirconium alloy mill products — corrosion, fabrication and machining guides — ATI / Western Zirconium (2020)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.