In situ ceramic layer growth on coated fuel particles dispersed in a zirconium metal matrix

Journal Article · Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 2012 · Journal of Nuclear Materials

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2013.02.042· OSTI ID:1068741

Terrani, Kurt A ^[1]; Kiggans, Jim ^[1]; Cai, Zhonghou ^[2]; Shin, Dongwon ^[1]; Snead, Lance Lewis ^[1]

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1. ORNL
2. Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)

The extent and nature of the chemical interaction between the outermost coating layer of coated fuel particles embedded in zirconium metal during fabrication of metal matrix microencapsulated fuels was examined. Various particles with outermost coating layers of pyrocarbon, SiC, and ZrC have been investigated in this study. ZrC-Zr interaction was least substantial while PyC-Zr reaction can be exploited to produce a ZrC layer at the interface in an in situ manner. The thickness of the ZrC layer in the latter case can be controlled by adjusting the time and temperature during processing. The kinetics of ZrC layer growth is significantly faster from what is predicted using literature carbon diffusivity data in ZrC. SiC-Zr interaction is more complex and results in formation of various chemical phases in a layered aggregate morphology at the interface.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL); Shared Research Equipment Collaborative Research Center
• Sponsoring Organization: NE USDOE - Office of Nuclear Energy
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 1068741
• Journal Information: Journal of Nuclear Materials, Journal Name: Journal of Nuclear Materials Journal Issue: 1-3 Vol. 437; ISSN 0022-3115
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English