RECENT ADVANCES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SIC SIC AS A FUSION STRUCTURAL MATERIAL/

Silicon carbide composites are attractive for structural applications in fusion energy systems because of their low activation and afterheat characteristics coupled with their excellent high-temperature propert ies. These new materials will require optimization of their hermeticit y, thermal conductivity, radiation stability, chemical compatibility w ith fusion relevant environments, and joining methodology before they can be utilized effectively in a fusion energy system. Recent advances have been demonstrated for advanced SiC fibers and fiber/matrix inter faces. Improved creep resistance and radiation stability have been dem onstrated for Hi-Nicalon, Nicalon-S and DOW/Corning Sylramic fibers. A dvanced fiber/matrix interfaces made with porous SiC and multi-layer S iC/C/SiC are being developed to minimize the presence of C in the inte rface for improved radiation and chemical stability of the composite m aterials. There have also been advances in evaluating He effects in Si C/SiC composites, the effects of Al-26 on activation of SiC and joinin g methodology for SiC/SiC composites. These advances continue to suppo rt the promise of these advanced composite materials for fusion energy applications. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.