Processing of inert SiC matrix with triso coated fuel by liquid phase sintering

Kazuya Shimoda, Tatsuya Hinoki, Kurt A. Terrani, Lance L. Snead, Yutai Katoh

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

SiC is a promising material for nuclear applications especially due to its outstanding properties of excellent high temperature strength, high thermal conductivity and exceptional low-activation against neutron irradiation. It is proposed to replace the current uranium oxide fuel pellets for light water reactors with the ceramic micro-encapsulated uranium compacted within SiC inert matrix. In this study, nanostructured SiC fabricated by liquid phase sintering of SiC nanopowder was proposed as a dense inert SiC matrix for compact-packing of surrogate TRISO fuel particles. Sintering additives like Y2O 3 and Al2O3 were used in addition to SiC nanopowder in the amount of 6 wt%. The powder mixture without the fuel particles was sintered by hot-pressing at 1750-1900°C under 10 MPa to investigate the influences of sintering temperature on density and compression strength in inert SiC matrix itself. Based on the condition for densfied SiC matrix formation without the fuel particles under as a low sintering temperature as possible, pellets including 40 vol% TRISO particles were sintered at hot-pressing and characterized by microstructural observation and evaluation of thermal conductivity.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCeramic Materials for Energy Applications II - A Collection of Papers Presented at the 36th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites, ICACC 2012
Pages25-31
Number of pages7
Edition9
StatePublished - 2013
EventCeramic Materials for Energy Applications II - 36th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites, ICACC 2012 - Daytona Beach, FL, United States
Duration: Jan 22 2012Jan 27 2012

Publication series

NameCeramic Engineering and Science Proceedings
Number9
Volume33
ISSN (Print)0196-6219

Conference

ConferenceCeramic Materials for Energy Applications II - 36th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites, ICACC 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDaytona Beach, FL
Period01/22/1201/27/12

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Processing of inert SiC matrix with triso coated fuel by liquid phase sintering'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this