PLASMA SPRAY SURFACE COATING ON ZIRCONIUM ALLOY FOR INCREASING THE CORROSION RESISTANCE AT VERY HIGH TEMPERATURE

摘要

The present invention relates to a zirconium alloy for a nuclear fuel assembly component with an excellent oxidation resistant at high temperatures, an excellent corrosion resistant, and excellent binding properties with a basic material by homogeneously coating silicon (Si) or chrome (Cr), which is a pure metal material, on the surface of the basic material in a plasma spray method. The plasma spray coating technic of a zirconium alloy by using a pure metal material according to the present invention is useful to obtain a homogeneous surface treatment effect in a component including a 4 m length of a tube and a support grating grid, which has a complex shape, etc. because a vacuum equipment is not necessary, and the plasma spray coating technic is undeterred by the shape of a coating product. Besides, the nuclear fuel assembly by using a coated zirconium alloy is capable of improving economical efficiency and safety of nuclear fuel at the same time by securing an excellent oxidation resistant and corrosion resistant not only in a normal condition driving but also in an accident situation. The high temperature oxidation resistance coating technique is available to be used in an existing industrial material, and utilized widely since engineering development costs and periods are reduced in comparison with a new material development when being applied to a war industry field and a general industrial field including atomic power. [Reference numerals] (AA) Plasma spray coating process of a zirconium alloy;(BB) Pre-processing: Sand blasting;(CC) Surface coating: Room temperature process, Silicon or chrome coating material, Plasma spray coating method;(DD) Post-processing: 350 � four hour heat treatment