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Title: Mechanical property degradation of high crystalline SiC fiber–reinforced SiC matrix composite neutron irradiated to ~100 displacements per atom

Journal Article · · Journal of the European Ceramic Society
 [1];  [2];  [1];  [3]
  1. Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
  2. National Inst. for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Rokkasho (Japan)
  3. Stony Brook Univ., NY (United States)
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For the development of silicon carbide (SiC) materials for next-generation nuclear structural applications, degradation of material properties under intense neutron irradiation is a critical feasibility issue. This paper evaluated the mechanical properties and microstructure of a chemical vapor infiltrated SiC matrix composite, reinforced with a multi-layer SiC/pyrolytic carbon–coated Hi-NicalonTM Type S SiC fiber, following neutron irradiation at 319 and 629 °C to ~100 displacements per atom. Both the proportional limit stress and ultimate flexural strength were significantly degraded as a result of irradiation at both temperatures. After irradiation at 319 °C, the quasi-ductile fracture behavior of the nonirradiated composite became brittle, a result that was explained by a loss of functionality of the fiber/matrix interface associated with the disappearance of the interphase due to irradiation. Finally, the specimens irradiated at 629 °C showed increased apparent failure strain because the fiber/matrix interphase was weakened by irradiation-induced partial debonding.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); National Inst. for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Rokkasho (Japan)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Fusion Energy Sciences (FES); Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC05-00OR22725; NFE-10-02779
OSTI ID:
1423016
Journal Information:
Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Vol. 38, Issue 4; ISSN 0955-2219
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 34 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

Figures / Tables (10)

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Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS
silicon carbide
ceramics matrix composite
neutron irradiation
mechanical properties