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U.S. Department of Energy
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Ceramic materials for nuclear thermionic converters

Conference ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4678965· OSTI ID:4678965

The development and fabrication of ceramic-to-metal seals for thermionic converters which will operate in the temperature range of 700 to 1200 deg C are reported. Two ceramic-to-metal seal combinations were developed which show promise for specialized applications. For operation in an oxidizing atmosphere near 700 deg C, magnesia and nickel appear to be a good combination. Seals operating near 1200 deg C, if an oxidizing atmosphere is not present, may be composed of niobium and alumina with palladium serving as the brazing filler. The tungsten metallizing of alumina which contains yttria is a process which appears to have considerable merit. A reaction between the tungsten and yttria is thought to result in an improved ceramic-metal bond. (N.W.R.)

Research Organization:
Los Alamos Scientific Lab., Los Alamos, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
NSA Number:
NSA-17-034365
OSTI ID:
4678965
Report Number(s):
LADC--5598; CONF-50--1; AED-Conf--1963-046-9
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English