Stability of SiC and its Composites at High Neutron Fluence
- ORNL
- Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA)
High purity chemically vapor-deposited (CVD) silicon carbide (SiC) and near-stoichiometric SiC fiber, chemically vapor-infiltrated (CVI) SiC matrix composite were evaluated following neutron irradiation to {approx}28 dpa at 300 and 650 C and to {approx}41 dpa at 800 C, respectively. The irradiated swelling, thermal conductivity, and elastic modulus indicated no additional changes in these properties at high fluences after saturation at low fluences. With a statistically meaningful sample population, no change in flexural strength of CVD SiC was observed after 300 C irradiation. A slight decrease in strength was observed after 650 C irradiation but was attributed to an experimental artifact; specifically, a reaction between samples and the capsule components. The Hi-Nicalon{trademark} Type-S, CVI SiC composite retained the pre-irradiation strength and the non-linear fracture mode. The electrical resistivity measurement revealed a relatively minor effect of irradiation. Overall, irradiation-insensitivity of the high purity SiC ceramics and composite to neutron irradiation to doses 30-40 dpa at temperatures 300-800 C was demonstrated.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States). High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC)
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC05-00OR22725
- OSTI ID:
- 1027418
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Nuclear Materials, Vol. 632, Issue 417; ISSN 0022-3115
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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