Critical issues and current status of SiC/SiC composites for fusion

SiC fiber-reinforced SiC matrix composites (SiC/SiC) are being considered as a candidate structural material for fusion reactors because of their low induced radioactivity by 14 MeV neutron irradiation and high-temperature strength. Material development of SiC/SiC composites, including SiC fiber, matrix and interphase processing for fusion reactor applications, has been under investigation for several years. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of current research in material development, properties and irradiation response of new SiC/SiC composites. Several technologically critical issues to be solved for fusion applications, such as irradiation resistance, thermal properties, environmental effects, hermeticity, joining technique and protective coating are also reviewed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.