Steam Oxidation of Silicon Carbide at High Temperatures for the Application as Accident Tolerant Fuel Cladding, an Overview

Since the nuclear accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in 2011, a considerable number of studies have been conducted to develop tolerant fuel (ATF) claddings for safety enhancement light water reactors. Among many potential ATF claddings, silicon carbide is one most promising candidates with superior features suitable applications. In spite benefits SiC cladding, there are some concerns over oxidation/corrosion resistance especially extreme temperatures (up 2000 °C) severe accidents. However, study steam oxidation conventional test facilities vapor atmospheres above 1600 °C very challenging. recent years, several efforts made modify existing or new advanced perform material tests environments typical conditions. this article, authors outline high temperatures, as well developments their laboratories, and, finally, give current advances understanding based on data obtained from those facilities.