Stability increase of fuel clad with zirconium oxynitride thin film by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

► Zirconium oxynitride (ZON) deposited by metal organic chemical vapor deposition. ► Prevention of fuel cladding chemical interaction (FCCI) investigated. ► Interfusion reduced by between metal fuel (U-10 wt% Zr) and a HT9 cladding material. ► Hydrogenation of the ZON during growth improved the FCCI barrier performance.