Zirconium based neutron absorption material with outstanding corrosion resistance and mechanical properties

•Novel neutron absorption material of ZrHf alloy was designed and prepared, which displayed outstanding mechanical and corrosion properties compared with that of Zr702.•The oxide film of ZrHf alloy was stable and compact owing to higher thermodynamic stability and highest Rct value.•The thickness required for ZrHf alloy to absorb neutrons with energy of 100 keV was 12 cm, which was half the thickness of Zr702 alloy.