Fabrication of particle dispersed inert matrix fuel based on liquid phase sintered SiC

► Inert matrix was produced from submicron α-SiC and sintering additives Al2O3 and Y2O3. ► ZrO2 beads as “fuel” particles. ► Fabrication using conventional high temperature sintering and spark plasma sintering. ► Spark plasma sintering results in better pellets densification in comparison with high temperature sintering. ► Interaction between ZrO2 particles and matrix is more pronounced during high temperature sintering.