Compatibility of interfaces and fibers for SiC-composites in fusion environments.

Journal Article · Fri Apr 03 04:00:00 EDT 2009 · Journal of Nuclear Materials, 386:670-674

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2008.12.333· OSTI ID:964612

Henager, Charles H; Kurtz, Richard J

The use of SiC composites in fusion environments is predicated on stability under neutron irradiation, on outstanding high-temperature mechanical properties, and on chemical inertness and corrosion resistance. However, SiC is susceptible to many forms of corrosion in water and in water vapor where silica formation is required as a protective layer because silica forms stable hydroxides that are volatile, even at low temperatures. SiC composites have an additional concern that fine-grained fibers and weak interfaces provide the required fracture toughness, but these components may also exhibit susceptibility to corrosion that can compromise material properties. In this work we examine and review the compatibility of fibers and interfaces, as well as the SiC matrix, in proposed fusion environments including first wall, tritium breeding, and blanket modules and module coolants.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 964612
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-64277; AT6020100
• Journal Information: Journal of Nuclear Materials, 386:670-674, Journal Name: Journal of Nuclear Materials, 386:670-674 Vol. 386; ISSN 0022-3115; ISSN JNUMAM
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
BREEDING
COMPATIBILITY
COOLANTS
CORROSION
CORROSION RESISTANCE
FIBERS
FIRST WALL
FRACTURE PROPERTIES
HYDROXIDES
IRRADIATION
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
NEUTRONS
SILICA
STABILITY
SiC
SiC composites
SiC fibers
TRITIUM
WATER VAPOR
corrosion
fiber-matrix interphase
stress-rupture