SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1994
STP24003S

The Effect of Neutron Irradiation on the Structure and Properties of Carbon-Carbon Composite Materials

Source

Carbon-carbon composite materials are used for plasma-facing applications in fusion energy devices. Next generation fusion reactors will produce high energy neutrons which damage the plasma facing materials and degrade their properties. Here the results of two irradiation experiments, HTFC-1 and -2, each containing specimens of carbon-carbon composites are described. Data are reported for the dimensional changes of the materials as a function of fluence in the range 0.5-5 dpa for an irradiation temperature of 600°C. The observed dimensional changes are analyzed in terms of the composite's architecture, fiber precursor, and graphitization temperature. Dimensional change “turnaround” behavior is observed for several of the materials. Strength is shown to increase with increasing neutron fluence for most of the carbon-carbon composites. High temperature thermal conductivity is reported for two 3D carbon-carbon composites, before and after irradiation. Irradiation reduces thermal conductivity by 60%. However, after thermal annealing at 1600°C the reduction in thermal conductivity is as little as 20%.

Author Information

Burchell, TD
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN
Eatherly, WP
, Oak Ridge, TN
Strizak, JP
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: E10
Pages: 1266–1282
DOI: 10.1520/STP24003S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5262-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-1488-3