b'details of processing remain propri-etary. Test results are similarly guarded. These factors combine to limit open dialogue, discussion, and improvement of testing methods and coating perfor-mance. This reality prompted AFC to begin efforts to produce coated clad-dings free of these restrictions. A range of coating methods were explored in fiscal year (FY)21, characterized, and testing in the as-received condition and after both loss of coolant accident (LOCA) and high strain rate testing to establish the baseline for further investigations.Accomplishments:A comprehensive literature study was performed and resulted in a priority rating system for coating-cladding properties as informed by sensitivity analyses performed using BISON. Thermal expansion, residual stress and creep properties are the most impor-tant properties to investigate. Chro-mium was chosen as the coating given its prevalence across the industry concepts and existing literature demonstrating its performance across relevant conditions. Selected parameter sets for High Powder Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS) of Cr on Zry-2 and Zry-4 tubes were tested to create a strong adhesive Cr-coating on the Zircaloy cladding with a 7- and a 5-micron thickness, respectively. Transmis-sion electron microscopy (TEM) energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) methods were utilized to investigate the interface shown in Figure 1, but Figure 2. Nanoindentation of Cr-coating on Zry-264 2021|AFC ACCOMPLISHMENTS'