Interaction of a diffusion barrier from the refractory metals with a zirconium alloy and a chrome coating of an accident tolerant fuel

Abstract

The results of the analysis of physical and chemical interaction in the Zr-Refractory metal-Cr systems are presented. Refractory metals (RM) are chosen as the material of a diffusion barrier layer between the zirconium alloy and the chromium coating. It is assumed that the refractory metal will suppress the interaction between the chromium coating and zirconium alloys providing increased resistance in high-temperature oxidation conditions at temperatures up to 1500 °C. Analysis of physical and chemical interaction in the system Zr-RM-Cr showed the prospects of using niobium and tungsten as a barrier layer material. Analysis of the literature data led to the conclusion that it is necessary to look for an alternative for the single-element refractory metal diffusion barrier. High-entropy alloys based on refractory metals can be an alternative. These alloys are characterized by high heat resistance and stable thermal properties.