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Thermal stability and performance of optimized ZrC x diffusion barriers in ceramic coating systems for ATF applications
Author(s) -
Chen Lina,
Lei Yiming,
Li Wenli,
Zhang Jie,
Wang Jingyang
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of the american ceramic society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.9
H-Index - 196
eISSN - 1551-2916
pISSN - 0002-7820
DOI - 10.1111/jace.17919
Subject(s) - materials science , ceramic , coating , thermal stability , annealing (glass) , thermal barrier coating , diffusion barrier , zirconium , sputter deposition , composite material , sputtering , layer (electronics) , metallurgy , chemical engineering , nanotechnology , thin film , engineering
Surface‐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 ZrC 0.55 diffusion barriers and a Cr 2 AlC top layer were synthesized via a magnetron sputtering method. After rapid thermal annealing, the ZrC 0.55 barrier layer having a thickness of 0.5 μm effectively prevented the inter‐diffusion between Cr 2 AlC and the Zry‐4 substrate, thereby ensuring retention of the structural integrity of the integrated ceramic coating system for ATF applications.