PNNL

Abstract

Radiation-resistant advanced silicon carbide composites (SiC/SiC) have been developed as a promising candidate of the high-temperature operating advanced fusion DEMO reactor. With the completion of the “proof-of-principle” phase in development of “nuclear-grade” SiC/SiC, the R&D on SiC/SiC is shifting toward the more pragmatic phase, i.e., industrialization of component manufactures and data-basing. In this paper, recent advances and issues in 1) development of component fabrication technology including joining and functional coating, e.g., a tungsten overcoat as a plasma facing barrier, 2) recent updates in characterization of non-irradiated properties, e.g., strength anisotropy and chemical compatibility with solid lithium-based ceramics and lead-lithium liquid metal breeders, and 3) irradiation effects were specifically reviewed. Importantly high-temperature neutron irradiation effects on microstructural evolution, thermal and electrical conductivities and mechanical properties including the fiber/matrix interfacial strength were specified under various irradiation conditions, indicating seemingly very minor influence on the composite performance in the design temperature range.