Determination of preferential binder oxidation in HTGR matrix material subjected to high temperature steam

Montoya, Katherine I.; Moczygemba, Cole; Brigham, Brian A.; Spano, Tyler; Campbell, Anne; Gerczak, Tyler J.; Sooby Wood, Elizabeth

doi:10.1016/j.jnucmat.2020.152674

Determination of preferential binder oxidation in HTGR matrix material subjected to high temperature steam

Journal Article · Mon Nov 30 00:00:00 EST 2020 · Journal of Nuclear Materials

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2020.152674· OSTI ID:1777774

^[1]; Moczygemba, Cole ^[1]; Brigham, Brian A. ^[1]; ^[2]; ^[2]; ^[2]; ^[1]

Univ. of Texas, San Antonio, TX (United States)
Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Graphitic matrix material encapsulates tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated fuel particles and is a structural component for both pebble and cylindrical fuel compacts in high temperature gas reactor (HTGR) designs. In an off-normal event involving steam exposure, the matrix material is exposed to oxidants, leading to degradation of the fuel compact and subsequent exposure of the TRISO particle fuel to oxidizing species. This study presents microstructural characterization of matrix material after exposure to high temperature (1200°C), 48 kPa steam in which the evolved microstructure demonstrated nonuniform degradation. Subsequent Raman spectroscopy determined the nature of the remaining material post-exposure. Finally, the electron microscopy characterization suggests and Raman spectroscopic analysis confirms, under off-normal conditions, the carbonized phenolic resin binder is preferentially oxidized ahead of the graphite flake filler and is responsible for the nonuniform degradation and enhanced depth of attack.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-00OR22725; NE0008798

OSTI ID:: 1777774

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1776042

Journal Information:: Journal of Nuclear Materials, Journal Name: Journal of Nuclear Materials Vol. 544; ISSN 0022-3115

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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