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Improved
Silicon Carbide Materials for Very High-Temperature, Fast-Spectrum Nuclear
Energy Systems--Lightweight
Solutions, Inc.,
Dr.
T. Dennis Claar, Principal Investigator, dclaar@msn.com
Dr.
T. Dennis Claar, Business Official, dclaar@msn.com
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER83696
Amount:
$99,887
Advanced
materials are sought that can meet the very demanding conditions required for a
fast spectrum nuclear energy system to operate at temperatures greater than 900ºC.
Silicon carbide (SiC)-based materials are prime candidates and have
received extensive investigation; however, there remains a need for improved
material performance, reduced manufacturing costs, and improved fabrication
techniques. This project will
develop improved SiC materials and processing, using an innovative
reaction-forming approach. This
approach offers the potential for a highly refined SiC microstructure (less than
0.5 microns), no residual silicon phase, very high purity (greater than 99.99%),
and numerous low cost processing and fabrication advantages, including the
ability to be bonded. Phase I will
fabricate samples of high density SiC, characterize microstructure and
properties, and determine basic processing parameters.
Toughened SiC ceramic matrix composite systems will be investigated, and
bonding/joining techniques will be evaluated.
Commercial Applications and Other
Benefits
as described by awardee: The
development of SiC ceramics and composites, with significant performance
improvements and low cost processing advantages, should be applicable as
structural components for very high-temperature, fast-spectrum nuclear energy
systems. Additional commercial
applications include advanced turbine engine components, heat exchangers,
automotive engine components, armor, cutting tools, and refractories.