Method for Improving Deposition (CRUD) Resistance of Nuclear Fuel Cladding and Components

Problem: Chalk River Unidentified Deposits (CRUD) build up on fuel cladding rods. Technology: This invention describes ways to modify the zirconium oxide surface of nuclear fuel cladding to make it harder for nickel and iron oxides to bond to it. This can be done by forming a different compound on the surface, such as a boride, a carbide, or a nitride. These atoms (boron-11, carbon, or nitrogen) are inserted into the zirconium oxide surface mix using a variety of methods such as; an electrochemical bath, gas/plasma ion implantation, or diffusional alteration. Christopher Noble crn@mit.edu