Low-Activation Joining of SiC/SiC Composites for Fusion Applications

Journal Article · Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2011 · Journal of Nuclear Materials, 51(1-3):375-378

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2010.12.084· OSTI ID:1178526

Henager, Charles H.; Kurtz, Richard J.

Abstract Research at PNNL has been directed at high-strength, low-activation joints using solid-state displacement reactions. This paper reports on further development and optimization of displacement reaction joints for the TITAN collaboration. The results reveal that fully dense and high-quality joints between SiC-composite bars are fabricated at 1623K to 1723K using 30 MPa pressure in purified argon atmospheres. Scanning electron micrographs reveal typical interpenetrating phase microstructures in the joints, which are about 10 µm thick. Blocky SiC particles are observed to nucleate preferentially at the SiC-joint interface but are more plate-like within the joint. X-ray spectroscopy reveals a uniform distribution of constituent elements consistent with the interpenetrating phases.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1178526
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-85135; AT2030110
• Journal Information: Journal of Nuclear Materials, 51(1-3):375-378, Journal Name: Journal of Nuclear Materials, 51(1-3):375-378
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English