Dense shapes, silicon carbides

Silicon carbide s relatively low neutron cross section and good resistance to radiation damage make it useful in some of its new forms in nuclear reactors (qv). Silicon carbide temperature-sensing devices and structural shapes fabricated from the new dense types are expected to have increased stability. Silicon carbide coatings (qv) may be applied to nuclear fuel elements, especially those of pebble-bed reactors, or silicon carbide may be incorporated as a matrix in these elements (153,154). 

This opened up an inexpensive method of producing dense and complex parts consisting of pure silicon carbide (SSiC). The powders (see Fig. 8) can be molded into a green body by any of the methods used in ceramic molding [93,94], depending on the shape required and the number of pieces involved (see Table 5). Sintering is... 

Monolithic refractories are used in sections of cement kilns, typically at the outlet, where wear rates are very high. At these zones, dense silicon-carbide-based castables are often used. The cyclones in the preheater section of cement plants are lined with dense castables due to the complexity of their shape and the wear resistance required. The shell of the exhaust gas duct is made from both dense and insulating castable materials. In the cooler section of the plant, monolithic refractories are used to line the ceiling. 

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