Properties of chrome coatings applied by various methods to zirconium alloy E110

Abstract

The issue presents the results of studies of methods for increasing the corrosion resistance of fuel claddings made from zirconium alloy E110, performed at the SRC RF TRINITI, using coatings (Al, Al2O3, Cr) by pulsed laser deposition, as well as magnetron sputtering and galvanic deposition of chromium. Also presented some results of studies of adhesion, microstructure and corrosion resistance of chromium coatings deposited by various methods. It was revealed that the corrosion resistance of the cladding of fuel rods with chrome coatings at temperatures of 1100 – 1200 °С practically does not depend on the method of their application. However, the coating method has a significant effect on their adhesion, with coatings obtained by atomic deposition methods and characterized by a continuous uniform structure have the greatest adhesion. The depth of oxidation of the outer surface of the cladding of a fuel rod when applying a chromium coating decreases by an average of 30 times for sponge-based alloy E110.