The characterization of electrodeposited chromium barriers for nuclear reactor cladding application

摘要

A layer of Cr coating on the inner surface of HT9 cladding is a promising barrier to hinder fuel and cladding chemical interaction (FCCl) in sodum-coolded fast reactors (SFRs). Cr barriers obtained with various current densities and electrolyte temperatures used for the electrodeposition of HT9 disks, were investigated for thickness, Vickers hardness, and the existence and length of microcracks. The crack-free Cr barrier electrodeposited at 1.6 A/cm(2) and 80 degrees C for 70 min showed excellent barrier performance in the diffusion couple test with Ce/Nd alloy at 580 degrees C for 25 h. These conditions were applied to the electrodeposition of HT9 cladding tubes. The Cr barrier with a thickness of 27.24 +/- 1.25 mu m having sound microstructure was successfully coated on the inner surface of HT9 cladding tubes using a developed electrodeposition system for the tubes. Burst and tensile mechanical tests verified the excellent adhesion and ductile characteristics of the Cr barriers. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.