Preparation of ZrC Layer of Coated Fuel Particle for High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor by Chemical Vapor Deposition With ZrCl₄ Vapor

The ZrC layer of coated fuel particle was successfully prepared in the fluidized bed coating furnace by chemical vapor deposition, using a gas mixture of C₃H₆, ZrCl₄ vapor, H₂ and Ar. It is indicated that the deposited ZrC layer has smooth and compact surface without obvious holes, clear interfaces with inner dense pyrocarbon layer, thickness of 35 μm. Composition and crystal structure analyses indicate that the main elements of ZrC layer are Zr and C, and the Zr/C molar ratio is close to 1∶1. Stoichiometric fcc-ZrC was obtained. And non-preferred orientation of grains was observed.