Effect of exposure environment on surface decomposition of SiC-silver ion implantation diffusion couples

Journal Article · Sun Oct 05 00:00:00 EDT 2014 · Journal of Nuclear Materials

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2014.09.063· OSTI ID:1265291

Gerczak, Tyler J. ^[1]; Zheng, Guiqui ^[1]; Field, Kevin G. ^[2]; Allen, Todd R. ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, WI (United States)
2. Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

SiC is a promising material for nuclear applications and is a critical component in the construction of tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel. A primary issue with TRISO fuel operation is the observed release of 110m Ag from intact fuel particles. The release of Ag has prompted research efforts to directly measure the transport mechanism of Ag in bulk SiC. Recent research efforts have focused primarily on Ag ion implantation designs. The effect of the thermal exposure system on the ion implantation surface has been investigated. Results indicate the utilization of a mated sample geometry and the establishment of a static thermal exposure environment is critical to maintaining an intact surface for diffusion analysis. In conclusion, the nature of the implantation surface and its potential role in Ag diffusion analysis are discussed.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725; 11-2988
• OSTI ID: 1265291
• Alternate ID(s): OSTI ID: 1246624
• Journal Information: Journal of Nuclear Materials, Vol. 456; ISSN 0022-3115
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
SiC
Ion Implantation
Decomposition
High Temperature