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.