Nuclear fuel claddings, production method thereof and uses of same against oxidation/hydriding
US11170905B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 2017 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention relates to a nuclear fuel cladding comprising: i) a substrate containing a zirconium-based inner layer, optionally coated with at least one intermediate layer formed by at least one intermediate material selected from among tantalum, molybdenum, tungsten, niobium, vanadium, hafnium or the alloys thereof; and ii) at least one protective outer layer placed on the substrate and formed by a protective material selected from either chromium or an alloy of chromium. The nuclear fuel cladding produced using the method of the invention has improved resistance to oxidation/hydriding. The invention also relates to the method for the production of the nuclear fuel cladding by ion etching of the surface of the substrate and deposition of the outer layer on the substrate with a high power impulse magnetron sputtering method (HiPIMS), as well as to the use thereof to protect against oxidation and/or hydriding.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.