SiCf/SiC Composites for Advanced Nuclear Applications
Composite materials have the potential for their properties to be tailored to specific applications by engineering the combination of fibers and matrices. Ceramic matrix composites are attractive because of their excellent high-temperature properties and corrosion resistance. In particular, ceramic composites made from silicon carbide fibers and silicon carbide matrices (SiCf/SiC) are promising for nuclear applications because of the radiation resistance of the β-phase of SiC, their excellent high-temperature fracture, creep, corrosion and thermal shock resistance. The β-phase of SiC has been shown by numerous studies to have a saturation swelling value of about 0.1 to 0.2% at 800 to 1000°C. This suggests that composites of SiC/SiC have the potential for excellent radiation stability. The continuous fiber architecture, coupled with engineered interfaces between the fiber and matrix, provide excellent fracture properties and fracture toughness values on the order of 25 MPa m1/2. The strength and fracture toughness are independent of temperature up to the limit of the fiber stability. Also, these fiber/matrix microstructures impart excellent thermal shock and thermal fatigue resistance so start-up and shut-down cycles and coolant loss scenarios should not induce significant structural damage.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 946014
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-37828; KC0201020
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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