Effect of Si content of CrSi-based coatings on their oxidation resistance in high temperature air

Coating of zirconium-based substrates is a promising method to obtain accident-tolerant fuel claddings for light water reactors. In this study, CrSi-based coatings with varying Si content were deposited by mull-arc ion plating, and the effect of Si content on the oxidation behavior of the coatings in air at various temperatures (maximum 1160 degrees C) was investigated. The solid solution phase, formed by Si in CrSi coating, was seen to improve the oxidation performance of Cr. The nanocomposite structure in CrSiN coating can further improve the oxidation and stability of CrN. The results indicated that Si in CrSi-based coatings plays an effective role in the oxidation resistance of Zircaloy at high temperatures. Thus, these coatings could be used as potential accident tolerant fuel cladding materials for light water reactor applications.