Abstract
AbstractSurface‐modified Zr alloy claddings with advanced ceramic coatings are promising materials for accident‐tolerant fuel (ATF) systems to meet stringent safety regulations concerning light water reactors. The applications of ceramic coatings are, however, limited as a result of inferior thermal stability when used in conjunction with Zircaloy‐4 (Zry‐4) substrates. Herein, the thermal stability of sub‐stoichiometric zirconium carbide barrier layers as a function of composition was studied. Integrated ceramic coatings comprising ZrC0.55 diffusion barriers and a Cr2AlC top layer were synthesized via a magnetron sputtering method. After rapid thermal annealing, the ZrC0.55 barrier layer having a thickness of 0.5 μm effectively prevented the inter‐diffusion between Cr2AlC and the Zry‐4 substrate, thereby ensuring retention of the structural integrity of the integrated ceramic coating system for ATF applications.
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