The effect of Zircaloy-4 substrate surface condition on the adhesion strength and corrosion of SiC coatings

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) coatings of silicon carbide were deposited on various Zircaloy-4 substrates having different surface preparations to increase the corrosion resistance. The effects of several different surface treatments of the Zircaloy-4 substrate, such as surface roughness, the presence of interlayer, and pickling, on the adhesion and corrosion resistance of the SiC coatings have been evaluated using a scratch test method, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The scratch test was found to be a good tool for qualitative measurement of adhesion strength of thin coating films. Higher adhesion strengths were obtained for a moderate level of substrate roughness and the corrosion resistance of these films was closely related with the adhesion of the film on the substrate, as measured by impedance. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.