R&D issues for SiCf/SiC composites structural material in fusion power reactor blankets

The main features of recent fusion reactor blanket conceptual designs using SiCf/SiC as structural material are presented. Particular attention is pai d to the adopted safety and maintenance strategy. Two main blanket lines ha ve been identified, depending on the used coolant, either helium or Pb-17Li . Their main performances are discussed taking into account the assumed mat erial properties in comparison with those of available industrial materials . The main properties of some advanced industrial SiCf/SiC composites are g iven and the need for further improvement of properties and/or further deve lopment for the manufacturing techniques are defined as a function of the p articular blanket line. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.