Advanced Radiation-Resistant Ceramic Composites

Abstract

Ceramic matrix composites (CMC), particularly silicon carbide (SiC) fiber-reinforced SiC-matrix (SiC/SiC) composites, have been studied for advanced nuclear energy applications for more than a decade. The perceived potentials for advanced SiC/SiC composites include the ability to operate at temperature regimes much higher than heat-resistant alloys, the inherent low induced-activation nuclear properties, and the tolerance against neutron irradiation at high temperatures. This paper reviews the recent research and development of the advanced radiation-resistant SiC/SiC composites for nuclear applications. Additionally, remaining general and specific technical issues for SiC/SiC composites for nuclear applications are discussed.