Review of SiCf/SiCm corrosion, erosion and erosion-corrosion in high temperature helium relevant to GFR conditions

The good thermal, mechanical and nuclear properties of silicon carbide composites (SiCf/SiCm) has led to their proposal as a gas-cooled fast reactor (GFR) fuel cladding material. Accordingly, previous studies on the corrosion, erosion and erosion-corrosion of SiCf/SiCm have been reviewed. A significant amount of corrosion data was compared for various SiCf/SiCm types tested under different conditions, which suggested that it may be suitable for use in a GFR. However some issues remain, specifically the potential for removal by oxidation of the pyrolytic carbon (PyC) interphase below 900 °C and highly damaging active oxidation at temperatures above 1200 °C. Few relevant papers were found on the erosion and erosion-corrosion behaviour of SiCf/SiCm, though those that were did indicate improved erosion resistance compared to metals. However, most data concerned particulate rather than gas erosion, and at relatively low temperatures. Exacerbation of erosion by corrosion (and vice versa) is hypothesised due to both phenomena potentially causing and being worsened by increased composite porosity. The possibility for this to be further exacerbated mechanically was also identified e.g. by surface damage or by crack formation and growth. The potential impact of irradiation in fast reactor conditions also needs to be better understood. Overall, limited data was found that is representative of anticipated GFR conditions and only in the form of separate effect corrosion tests, thus highlighting the need for erosion and combined effect experiments to progress SiCf/SiCm towards qualification as GFR fuel cladding. Finally, some potential means for improving performance have been identified including environmental adjustment and/or alternative composite design.