Coatings and joining for SiC and SiC-composites for nuclear energy systems

Coatings and joining materials for SiC and SiC-based composites for nuclear energy systems are being developed using preceramic polymers filled with reactive and inert powders, and using solid-state reactions. Polymer-filled joints and coatings start with a poly(hydridomethylsiloxane) precursor, such that mixtures of Al/Al2O3/polymer form a hard oxide coating, coatings made with Al/SiC mixtures form a mixed oxide–carbide coating, while coatings made with SiC/polymer form a porous, hard carbide coating. Joints made from such mixtures have shear strengths range from 15 to 50 MPa depending on the applied pressure and joint composition. The strongest joints were obtained using tape cast ribbons of Si/TiC powders such that a solid state displacement reaction at 1473 K and 1673 K using 30 MPa applied pressure resulted in shear strengths of 50 MPa, which exceeds the shear strength of SiC/SiC composite materials. However, the polymer joints are much easier to apply and could be considered for field repair.