Effect of alloying element on microstructure, mechanical property, and oxidation resistance of Zr─Me─C (Me═Si/Y) coatings. Issue 2 (14th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lei, Yiming; Zhang, Jie; Bai, Guanghai; Zhang, Yanwei; Wang, Jingyang
• Is Part Of: International journal of applied ceramic technology. Volume 19:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 713
• Page End: 728
• Publication Date: 2021-09-14
• Subjects: accident tolerant fuel -- high‐temperature oxidation -- simulated LOCA scenario -- Zr─Me─C coating; Ceramics -- Periodicals; Ceramics -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; 620.1405
• DOI: 10.1111/ijac.13878
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1546-542X

Abstract

Abstract: Accident‐tolerant fuels (ATFs) are proposed to provide improved safety response to a loss of coolant accident (LOCA) scenario while maintaining good operational characteristics under normal conditions. In this work, Zr─Me─C (Me═Si or Y) was proposed as candidate coatings for ATF applications. The influence of Si and Y with varied concentration on microstructural evolution, mechanical property, and oxidation resistance of Zr─Me─C coatings were investigated. Based on combined results of X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, it was found that Si or Y doped ZrC0.55 coatings presented tunable composition and microstructure. Improved air oxidation and spallation resistance were achieved with the incorporation of Me atoms, attributing to the formation of SiO2 and ZrSiO4 and/or the stabilization of zirconia. Under a simulated LOCA condition, decreased weight gains of 13.6 at.% Si and 22.5 at.% Y coated Zry‐4 alloys were achieved. nc‐ZrSiC/nc‐ZrSi (13.6 at.% Si) coating exhibited enhanced mechanical property and oxidation resistance in both high‐temperature air and LOCA conditions, which could be regarded as potential candidate for the applications in ATFs.