Abstract
The deposition of an oxidation resistant Cr coating onto a Zr alloy nuclear fuel cladding is a near term concept for the deployment of an accident tolerant fuel. In the UK, a collaborative programme of research is focused on the production of Cr coated Zr alloy fuel cladding material using magnetron sputtering, a coating technology which can be scaled up for industrial use. This research is investigating how the integrity and microstructure of the coating is affected by deposition conditions and coating thickness. The formation of a Cr-Zr liquid eutectic between 1280°C - 1380°C may limit the ultimate high temperature performance of the cladding and therefore the use of an interlayer has been investigated to limit any diffusion between the Cr coating and the Zr alloy. Test coatings have been subjected to accelerated autoclave tests in 400°C steam as well as high temperature (700-900°C) air oxidation. The deposited Cr coatings have exhibited excellent performance to date.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Light Water Reactor Fuel Performance Conference (TOP FUEL 2019) |
| Publisher | American Nuclear Society |
| Pages | 864-872 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Publication status | Published - 2020 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | Light Water Reactor Fuel Performance Conference 2019 - Seattle, United States of America Duration: 22 Sep 2019 → 27 Sep 2019 Conference number: 14th http://globaltopfuel.ans.org/ |
Conference
| Conference | Light Water Reactor Fuel Performance Conference 2019 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | TOP FUEL 2019 |
| Country | United States of America |
| City | Seattle |
| Period | 22/09/19 → 27/09/19 |
| Internet address |