Effect of supercritical water applied to reactor on microstructure and flexural strength of ZrB2–SiC–Graphite ceramic

The ZrB2–SiC–Graphite ceramic was immerged in the supercritical water for different times. The microcracks appeared on the surface of the specimen and the composition of the microcracks was confirmed by EDS analysis to be ZrO2. The obvious corrosion of SiC and graphite flake on the surface of the specimen was not observed, which was attributed to the dissolution of the oxides of silicon and carbon (graphite) into the supercritical water. The corrosion of the specimen was accelerated as the pressure and temperature of the water increased. XPS analysis was carried out on the specimen corroded in water of 40 ± 1 MPa and 500 ± 10 °C for 75 min, and the significant peak of B 1s was also measured, indicating the presence of the ZrB2 phase on the surface of the specimen. For the specimen immerged in all conditions, the Vickers’ hardness did not reduce, the fracture toughness was improved and the minimal strength of the immerged specimen was still higher than 90% of the original strength of 480 MPa, which indicated that the ZrB2–SiC–Graphite ceramic has excellent resistance to corrosion of the supercritical water applied to reactor.

► It is first to investigate the corrosion behavior of ZrB2-based ceramic.
► Microstructure of specimen before and after corrosion was analyzed.
► It is a promising candidate for high performance light water reactor.