SiCf/SiC composites

A. Hasegawa, M. Saito, S. Nogami, K. Abe, R.H. Jones, and H. Takahashi, Helium Bubble Formation Behavior of SiCf/SiC Composites After Helium Implantation, J. Nucl. Mater., 264, 355-58(1999). 

L. Giancarli, G. Aiello, A. Caso, A. Gasse, G. Lemarois, Y. Poitevin, J.F. Salay, and J. Szczepanski, R D Issues for SiCf/SiC Composites Structural Material in Fusion Power Reactor Blankets, Fusion Eng. Des., 48, 509-20 (2000). 

R.H. Jones, SiCf/SiC Composites for Advanced Nuclear Applications, Ceram. Eng. Sci. Proc., 24, 261-267 (2003). 

STRAIN ACCUMULATION AND DAMAGE EVOLUTION DURING CREEP OF SiCf/SiC COMPOSITES... 

Figure 1. Scanning electron micrograph showing (a) the porous matrix within fibre bundles and (b) the fibre bundle configuration of the standard SiCf/SiC composite before creep testing.

Data Comparisons for Standard SiCf/SiC and Enhanced SiCf/SiC Composites... 

For a variety of SiCf/SiC type composites, it has been stated that the SiC matrices are more creep resistant than the Nicalon fibres. " This conclusion was reached on the grounds that the creep rates reported for silicon carbide produced by chemical vapour deposition appeared to be lower than the rates predicted by extrapolation of results obtained for Nicalon fibres. However, it is a simple matter to demonstrate that the fibres rather than the matrices control the creep strength of both the standard SiCf/SiC and enhanced SiCf/SiC composites. 

X. H. Qin, B.L. Xiao, and S.M. Dong, et al, SiCf/SiC Composites Reinforced by Randomly Oriented Chopped Fibers Prepared by Semi-Solid Mechanical Stirring Method and Hot Pressing, / Mater. 5c/., 42(10] 3488-3494(2007). 

Core structures Wrapper F-M steels Cladding AIM F-M ODS Fuel and core structures SiCf-SiC composite Target, window cladding F-M steels ODS Core Graphite Control rods C/C SiC/SiC Cladding and core structures Ni-based alloys and F-M steels Core structure Graphite HasteUoy First wall blanket F-M steels ODS SiCrSiC ... 

SiCf/SiC composites as core materials for Generation IV nuclear reactors... 

In this chapter, the status of the applications of the SiCf/SiC composite in Generation IV nuclear energy systems is briefly introduced. In addition, the properties, performance under reactor operating environments and the fabrication technologies of the SiCf/SiC composite are summarized to understand the material system and to develop a fabrication and evaluation method. 

Figure 12.2 Swelling of representative nuclear-grade SiCf/SiC composite and pitch fiber, pitch matrix Cf/C composite [10].

Fabrication and role of each constituent of the SiCf/SiC composite and matrix filling technologies... 

SiC fibers, e.g., Hi-Nicalon Type-S or Tyranno-SA SiC fibers are considered the reference nuclear-grade SiCf/SiC composites because of their perceived radiation tolerance and chemical compatibility of the high-purity, stoichiometric SiC matrix with various harsh environments. 

In future works, more detailed and precise definitions of the reactor design parameters in both normal and transient conditions are required. Moreover, more complete database and model-based predictive capabilities for the properties of SiCf/SiC composites irradiated at above 1000°C should be established. In order to use SiCf/SiC in applications of structural components, it is necessary for well-established testing standards and material codes to be in place. In addition, a leak-tightness or a hermetic joining technology with sufficient in-pile and out-of-pile data is also needed. 

Interface Formation of Unidirectional SiCf/SiC Composites by Electrophoretic Deposition Method... 

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