Investigation of Pb–Li compatibility issues for the dual coolant blanket concept

Recent advances and issues in development of silicon carbide composites for fusion applications

“…Oxidation kinetics of SiC and PyC on a state of the F/M interface is being identified [54]. In contrast, good chemical stability of SiC with Pb-17Li as a breeding material in the liquid blanket system was previously demonstrated <1100°C [55]. Presently erosion/corrosion behavior of SiC/SiC composites in a Pb17Li fluid is being investigated [56].…”

Compatibility of interfaces and fibers for SiC-composites in fusion environments

“…Optimistically, the good news for SiC-composites is that SiC appears to be compatible with Pb-Li coolants. Pint's research with b-SiC helps establish the compatibility of SiC with Pb-Li coolants below 1373 K [1], while studies by Yoneoka et al [35] and Barbier et al [36] suggest that SiC-composites also have little interaction with Pb-Li coolants. However, this data is preliminary and only involves static exposures, not flowing.…”

“…It is low-activation, temperature-resistant, and radiation damage tolerant compared to most materials. In the form of woven or braided composites with high-strength SiC fibers it has the requisite mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties to be a useful and versatile material system for fusion applications, especially since microstructural tailoring during processing allows control over the physical properties of interest [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Chemical and environmental compatibility with fusion and blanket cooling environments appear to be positive [1,5,12,13] but uncertainties remain primarily due to inadequate testing of SiC f /SiC materials in flowing Pb-Li and due to uncertainty in final composite architecture designs for fusion.…”

Compatibility of PIP SiCf/SiC with LiPb at 700°C

“…Results showed that CVD ␤-SiC and CVI (chemical vapor infiltration) SiC f /SiC composites were stable in static LiPb up to 800 • C. Examinations of CVD SiC coated CVI SiC f /SiC in flowing LiPb also showed no significant erosion at 550 and 800 • C. However, the temperature limits for ␤-SiC in LiPb may be <1100 • C and much lower for ␣-SiC and amorphous SiC [6][7][8].…”