Abstract

Thermal energy release and hydrogen generation due to breakaway oxidation of Zr fuel cladding materials are of concern in accident scenarios involving extreme temperature increase (up to 1200 °C). As a result, potential accident tolerant fuel cladding (ATFC) materials and coatings are being investigated. Physical vapor deposited CrN coatings are considered as possible protective barrier materials for Zircaloys. In addition, Fe–Cr-Al alloys are considered potential candidate materials for ATFC due the formation of protective alumina at high temperatures which maintains resistance by preventing oxide breakdown. Both CrN-coated Zircaloys and a Fe–Cr-Al model alloy were exposed to 300 °C water and steam environments up to 1200 °C to evaluate their resistance to corrosion under normal reactor operating conditions and to high temperature steam oxidation. Surface analytical techniques are used to evaluate the effectiveness of oxides and/or coatings over the 300 °C water to 1000 °C steam temperature regime.

Full Text

Published Version

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.