Microstructural evolution and mechanical hardening of Cr-coated MDA cladding under high-dose Fe ion irradiation

Mohamad, A. B. ; Chen, J.*; 井岡 郁夫*; 鈴木 恵理子   ; 近藤 啓悦  ; 阿部 陽介  ; 山下 真一郎   ; 大久保 成彰   ; 根本 義之  ; 岡田 裕史*; 佐藤 大樹*

Mohamad, A. B.; Chen, J.*; Ioka, Ikuo*; Suzuki, Eriko; Kondo, Keietsu; Abe, Yosuke; Yamashita, Shinichiro; Okubo, Nariaki; Nemoto, Yoshiyuki; Okada, Yuji*; Sato, Daiki*

Ion irradiation was carried out on Cr coating Zry cladding to investigate their microstructure evolution and mechanical properties. The sample was irradiated at reactor normal operation conditions. Microstructural observation and mechanical testing of non-irradiated samples and irradiated samples were performed to understand irradiation damage to the Cr-coated Zry cladding. Results of High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy and chemical analysis revealed Fe enrichment at the Cr coating and Zr substrate interface of irradiated samples due to irradiation enhanced diffusion or irradiation induced mixing. Irradiation led to the formation of Fe enrichment at the Cr Zr interface approximately 15nm. Moreover, hardening of the Cr coating and Zr substrate regions was observed in the irradiated sample.