It has been known that as oxide layer (ZrO2) forms on the nuclear fuel cladding during irradiation in nuclear power plants, the corrosion kinetics are influenced by various parameters such as chemical environments. One of those environments, crud deposition driven by coolant chemistry has an adverse effect on the formation of oxide (ZrO2) and leads to increase thickness of the layer. In this study, crud formation was performed through loop experiment equipment on the surface of intentionally-made oxide layer (ZrO2) on cladding tubes and then the composition and characteristics of cruds were examined for the investigation of nuclear power plant environment. As a result, various cruds in composition and microstructure were formed depending on the exquisite methods and conditions such as metal ion concentration.

• Joo Young Park(KEPCO Nuclear Fuel (KEPCO NF)) corresponding author
• Kyung Tae Kim(KEPCO Nuclear Fuel (KEPCO NF))
• Jeong Won Kim(KEPCO Nuclear Fuel (KEPCO NF))
• Oh Hyun Kwon(KEPCO Nuclear Fuel (KEPCO NF))