A process for forming a durable, resistant oxide coating on zirconium metal or zirconium-based alloys, in which the metal or alloy is heated either rapidly to a predetermined temperature in an oxidizing or non-oxidizing environment or heated rapidly or slowly in an environment substantially devoid of an oxidizing agent until the predetermined temperature has been reached. The base metal can be pure zirconium or a zirconium-based alloy having niobium and/or titanium. The temperature, oxygen level, and time of exposure are controlled to elicit the desired properties. The oxidized specimen is then cooled under controlled conditions to further control the thickness and hardness of the oxide layer.

A process for forming a durable, resistant oxide coating on zirconium metal or zirconium-based alloys, in which the metal or alloy is heated either rapidly to a predetermined temperature in an oxidizing or non-oxidizing environment or heated rapidly or slowly in an environment substantially devoid of an oxidizing agent until the predetermined temperature has been reached. The base metal can be pure zirconium or a zirconium-based alloy having niobium and/or titanium. The temperature, oxygen level, and time of exposure are controlled to elicit the desired properties. The oxidized specimen is then cooled under controlled conditions to further control the thickness and hardness of the oxide layer.

Methods and alloy systems for non-Be BMG matrix composite materials that can be used to additively manufacturing parts with superior mechanical properties, especially high toughness and strength, are provided. Alloys are directed to BMGMC materials comprising a high strength BMG matrix reinforced with properly scaled, soft, crystalline metal dendrite inclusions dispersed throughout the matrix in a sufficient concentration to resist fracture.

Methods and alloy systems for non-Be BMG matrix composite materials that can be used to additively manufacturing parts with superior mechanical properties, especially high toughness and strength, are provided. Alloys are directed to BMGMC materials comprising a high strength BMG matrix reinforced with properly scaled, soft, crystalline metal dendrite inclusions dispersed throughout the matrix in a sufficient concentration to resist fracture.

Multi-layered nuclear fuel cladding, according to the present inventive concept, comprises: an inner tube of zirconium alloy, of which both ends are open for providing an accommodation space into which a sintered nuclear fuel pellet is inserted; and an outer tube, disposed coaxially with the inner tube, having a greater diameter than the inner tube so as to surround the outer surface of the inner tube, wherein the outer tube and the inner tube are fixed to closely contact each other, and may be formed from metals different from each other.

Multi-layered nuclear fuel cladding, according to the present inventive concept, comprises: an inner tube of zirconium alloy, of which both ends are open for providing an accommodation space into which a sintered nuclear fuel pellet is inserted; and an outer tube, disposed coaxially with the inner tube, having a greater diameter than the inner tube so as to surround the outer surface of the inner tube, wherein the outer tube and the inner tube are fixed to closely contact each other, and may be formed from metals different from each other.

A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit includes an array of spacers provided between at least a pair of substrates, such as glass substrate. Certain example embodiments relate to a VIG window unit including spacers (e.g., pillars) of or including a metal alloy. The metal alloy of the spacer may be an amorphous metal alloy (e.g., Zr and/or Cu based amorphous alloy). Such metal alloy spacers advantageously reduce the thermal conductivity of the spacer array and can increase the center of glass R-value of the VIG window unit.

A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit includes an array of spacers provided between at least a pair of substrates, such as glass substrate. Certain example embodiments relate to a VIG window unit including spacers (e.g., pillars) of or including a metal alloy. The metal alloy of the spacer may be an amorphous metal alloy (e.g., Zr and/or Cu based amorphous alloy). Such metal alloy spacers advantageously reduce the thermal conductivity of the spacer array and can increase the center of glass R-value of the VIG window unit.

A high strength and low modulus alloy is disclosed, and comprises at least five principal elements and at least one additive element. The principal elements are Ti, Zr, Nb, Mo, and Sn, and the additive element(s) are V, W, Cr, and/or Hf. Particularly, a summation of numeric values of Ti and Zr in atomic percent is less than or equal to 85, and the additive elements have a total numeric value in atomic percent less than or equal to 4. Experimental data reveal that, samples of the high strength and low modulus alloy all have properties of yield strength greater than 600 MPa and Young's modulus less than 90 GPa. As a result, experimental data have proved that the high strength and low modulus alloy has a significant potential for applications in the manufacture of various industrial components and/or devices, medical devices, and surgical implants.

A high strength and low modulus alloy is disclosed, and comprises at least five principal elements and at least one additive element. The principal elements are Ti, Zr, Nb, Mo, and Sn, and the additive element(s) are V, W, Cr, and/or Hf. Particularly, a summation of numeric values of Ti and Zr in atomic percent is less than or equal to 85, and the additive elements have a total numeric value in atomic percent less than or equal to 4. Experimental data reveal that, samples of the high strength and low modulus alloy all have properties of yield strength greater than 600 MPa and Young's modulus less than 90 GPa. As a result, experimental data have proved that the high strength and low modulus alloy has a significant potential for applications in the manufacture of various industrial components and/or devices, medical devices, and surgical implants.