An analytical electron microscopy has been used to investigate the microstructural oxide of Zr-2(Fe,Ni) particles incorporated into the oxide film formed on the alloy ZrSnNbFeCrNi. The alloy has been oxidized in 18.6 MPa lithiated water at 360 degreesC for 14 days forming an oxide scale of thickness around 1.2 mum. The results indicate: (i) the oxidation of Zr-2(Fe,Ni) particles is faster than that of Zr(Fe,Cr)(2) particles, accompanied by the diffusion of Fe and Ni out of the Zr-2(Fe,Ni) particles to the surrounding ZrO2 matrix and; (ii) the oxidation products for Zr-2(Fe,Ni) particles mainly comprise amorphous oxide along with cubic, tetragonal and monoclinic ZrO2. The behavior of Zr-2(Fe,Ni) particles during oxidation is discussed. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.