Continuous SiC fiber, CVI SiC matrix composites for nuclear applications: Properties and irradiation effects

Silicon carbide (SiC) continuous fiber-reinforced, SiC-matrix composites (SiC/SiC composites) are industrially available materials that are promising for applications in nuclear environments. The SiC/SiC composites consisting of near-stoichiometric SiC fibers, stoichiometric and fully crystalline SiC matrices, and the pyrocarbon (PyC) or multilayered PyC/SiC interphase between the fiber and the matrix are considered particularly resistant to very high radiation environments. This paper provides a summary compilation of the properties of these composites, specifically those with the chemically vapor-infiltrated (CVI) SiC matrices, including newly obtained results. The properties discussed are both in unirradiated condition and after neutron irradiation to intermediate fluence levels (most data are for <∼10 displacement per atom) at 300-1300 °C.