Work

High-temperature oxidation of non-zirconium materials for ATF

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Non-zirconium materials, such as silicon carbide (SiC) and FeCrAl alloys, have attracted interest for developing Accident-Tolerant Fuel (ATF) cladding systems owing to their superior hightemperature oxidation resistance. SiC offers excellent thermal stability, high-temperature properties, irradiation tolerance, and low activation, while FeCrAl alloys provide outstanding oxidation resistance in steam and air through a stable alumina (Al2O3) layer. This study examines their oxidation behavior under simulated severe-accident conditions. Microstructural changes and mechanical integrity after exposure were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ring compression tests (RCT). The analysis revealed material-specific strengths and limitations, emphasizing the role of temperature and oxidation environment.

Source: Acta Polytechnica CTU Proceedings

DOI: 10.14311/app.2025.55.0016

Authors: Alžběta Endrychová, Jakub Krejčí, Martin Ševeček, Martin Cesnek, Claudia Aparicio, David Rada

Institutions: Czech Technical University in Prague, Ujp Praha (Czechia), Research Centre Rez

Language: English

Topic: Nuclear Materials and Properties

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy

Awards: Center of Advanced Nuclear Technology II, The VR-1 Nuclear Experimental Hub