Effect of N content on microstructure and properties of (AlTiCrNiTa)N coatings for accident-tolerant fuels

The (AlTiCrNiTa)N coatings were successfully deposited on Zr-4 substrates by magnetron sputtering technology as a function of N2/Ar gas pressure ratio Γ. The microstructure, wettability properties, mechanical properties, corrosion properties and high-temperature steam oxidation resistance of the coatings were investigated. With the decrease of Γ, N content and the thickness of the coating decreased. All coatings show a simple NaCl-type face-centered cubic (FCC) structure, exhibit hydrophobic surface and own high hardness. When Γ is 1/8, the (AlTiCrNiTa)N coating had excellent corrosion properties and high-temperature steam oxidation properties.