Abstract: The present invention concerns improved corrosion resistant zirconium alloys consisting of 0.25 to 1.50% by weight of niobium, 0.025 to 0.20% by weight of tin, 0.02 to 1.00% by weight of combined chromium and molybdenum, and the remainder zirconium except for unavoidable impurities.Corrosion tests show that the above alloys have a corrosion rate comparable to Zircaloy 2 at low temperatures and a much better performance at high temperatures. Further the hydrogen uptake of the present alloys are considerably lower than for Zircaloy 2 over the whole temperature range 290.degree.-500.degree. C., and reactor tests have revealed that the good corrosion behavior is maintained under neutron irradiation. The new alloys exhibit smaller grain growth than Zircaloy 2 at annealing temperatures.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the recovery and separation of tantalum and/or niobium from a solution of these elements in aqueous mineral acid, preferably sulfuric acid. The element or elements is/are extracted from the acid solution thereof by means of an amine, preferably a tertiary, long-chained alkyl amine, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and of fluoride ions. Thereby the extraction and separation can be performed effectively at comparatively low acid concentration, normally below a concentration of 4N.