Patent Number: 
Section: claims

1. A nuclear fuel rod cladding in a nuclear reactor having a coolant flowing therein, the nuclear fuel rod cladding comprising:a base ceramic composite structured to form a shape that has an interior surface, an exterior surface, and an inner cavity, comprising:a ceramic matrix; anda plurality of ceramic fibers;nuclear fuel positioned within the inner cavity of the base ceramic composite; anda coating composition comprising a zirconium component composed of zirconium alloy deposited on the exterior surface of the base ceramic composite to form a coating thereon, which is in contact with the coolant, wherein the coating has a thickness from about 0.004 to about 0.006 inches. 2. The cladding of claim 1, wherein the ceramic matrix is composed of material selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide and silicon carbide-containing material. 3. The cladding of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ceramic fibers is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide and a silicon-carbide containing material. 4. The cladding of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ceramic fibers is selected from the group consisting of individual fibers, woven fibers and braided fibers. 5. The cladding of claim 1, wherein the ceramic composite is in the shape of a cylindrical tube. 6. A nuclear fuel rod cladding for a nuclear reactor, the nuclear fuel rod cladding comprising:a ceramic composite tube comprising a silicon carbide matrix and a plurality of silicon carbide fibers; anda coating deposited on an exterior surface of the ceramic composite tube, wherein the coating comprises zirconium alloy and a thickness in a range of about 0.004 to about 0.006 inches, wherein the coating is configured to contact a coolant in the nuclear reactor. 7. The nuclear fuel rod cladding of claim 6, wherein the nuclear fuel rod cladding comprises a thickness in a range of 100 microns to 600 microns. 8. The nuclear fuel rod cladding of claim 6, wherein the nuclear fuel rod cladding consists of the ceramic composite tube and the coating. 9. The nuclear fuel rod cladding of claim 6, wherein the coating has been deposited by arc spray, liquid phase spray, plasma spray, cold spray, or laser deposition. 10. The nuclear fuel rod cladding of claim 6, wherein the coating is configured to provide a hermetic seal on the exterior surface of the ceramic composite tube. 11. The nuclear fuel rod cladding of claim 6, wherein the coating is configured to preclude coolant in the nuclear reactor from contacting the ceramic composite tube. 12. The cladding of claim 6, wherein the cladding comprises a thickness from 100 microns to 600 microns.