Radiation effects in SiC for nuclear structural applications

• Published in: Current opinion in solid state & materials science 2012-06, Vol.16 (3), p.143-152
• Main Authors: Katoh, Yutai, Snead, Lance L., Szlufarska, Izabela, Weber, William J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accident tolerant fuels; Ceramic composites; Computational materials science; Fission product interactions; Fusion energy; Materials science; Nuclear engineering; Nuclear fission; Nuclear fusion; Nuclear materials; Nuclear safety; Nuclear waste; Radiation effect; Silicon carbide; Stability; Structural materials; Wastes
• ISSN: 1359-0286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cossms.2012.03.005

► Overview of recent research on radiation effects in SiC is provided. ► Applications include fuel, fission/fusion structures, and waste stabilization. ► Focus on application of modern materials modeling methods. ► Contribution to revolutionary safe fuel for current nuclear energy expected. Silicon carbide has enjoyed both fundamental study and practical application since the early days of nuclear materials science. In the past decade, with the increased interest in increasing efficiency, solving the real issues of waste disposal, and the constant mission to improve safety of nuclear reactors, silicon carbide has become even more attractive. The purpose of this paper is to discuss recent research that not only strives to understand the remarkable radiation stability of this material, but also the practical application of silicon carbide as waste form and for fission and fusion power applications.