Environmental effects on carbon/carbon composites in chemically-controlled helium at high temperatures

Abstract

This report summarizes several aspects identified from the analysis of current knowledge on oxidative corrosion of C/C composites. In the first part the document outlines current knowledge on the mechanisms and kinetics of oxidation of nuclear graphite. The behavior of C/C composites in reactive gas environment is analyzed next. Special sections are devoted to modeling attempts of environmental effects on oxidation of graphite and of C/C composites. Last, a plan for qualification of oxidation-resistant C/C composites is outlined.