| Abstract Scope |
Ceramics have been considered as fuel forms, structural and coating materials, and for waste storage in nuclear energy systems. For example, environmental degradation of ceramic materials such as SiC/SiCf composite, graphite, C/Cf composite, and borosilicate glass have been investigated for applications including accident tolerant fuel cladding, moderator material, control rod sheath, and waste immobilization. Ceramic coatings have been proposed for Zr-alloy cladding to improve the oxidation resistance in light water reactors (LWRs), and for minimizing corrosion and liquid metal embrittlement of steels in lead fast reactors (LFRs). The high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) also provides unique opportunities for use of ceramics. In molten salt reactors (MSRs), ceramic coatings may be beneficial for corrosion resistance and as diffusion barriers for tritium. Ceramic coatings have also been considered for neutron radiation shielding. With these applications as basis, the presentation will cover the scope and opportunities for ceramic materials in nuclear energy applications. |