H₂ permeation behavior of Cr₂AlC and Ti₂AlC max phase coated zircaloy-4 by neutron radiography

Hydrogen uptake by nuclear fuel claddings during normal operation as well as loss of coolant during design basis and severe accidents beyond design basis has a high safety relevance because hydrogen degrade the mechanical properties of the zirconium alloys applied as cladding material. Currently, claddings with enhanced accident tolerance are under development. One group of such accident tolerant fuel (ATF) claddings are zirconium alloys with surface coatings reducing corrosion and high-temperature oxidation rate, as well as the chemical heat and hydrogen release during hypothetical accidents. The hydrogen permeation through the coating is an important parameter ensuring material safety. In this work, the hydrogen permeation of Ti₂AlC and Cr₂AlC MAX phase coatings on Zircaloy-4 is investigated by means of neutron radiography. Both coatings are robust hydrogen diffusion barriers that effectively suppress hydrogen permeation into the matrix.