NSUF 22-4404: Microstructural Characterization of the SiC-SiO2 interface of oxidized TRISO particles
Investigation of the stability of TRISO particle fuel under accident scenarios will aid in furthering the advancement of this fuel type. During an accident scenario, oxidants can be introduced to the core and expose the fuel compacts to an oxidizing atmosphere. The compromised compact could allow for low partial pressures of the oxidants to be introduced to the TRISO particles, specifically the silicon carbide (SiC) layer. The SiC layer acts as both the primary structural component of the TRISO particle and barrier to fission product release. Exposure of this layer to an oxidizing atmosphere could either cause SiC recession or the formation of a potentially passivating oxide layer depending on oxidant partial pressures and temperature. Degradation of the SiC can lead to the release of fission products present in oxidized layers into the compact. The investigation proposed will explore the impact of irradiation on the oxide layer formed during oxidant exposure. The data provided will inform on any variations in the surface chemistry and microstructure in the SiO2 layer formed from different oxidant exposures and how irradiation impacts the evolved microstructure.
Additional Info
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Abstract | Investigation of the stability of TRISO particle fuel under accident scenarios will aid in furthering the advancement of this fuel type. During an accident scenario, oxidants can be introduced to the core and expose the fuel compacts to an oxidizing atmosphere. The compromised compact could allow for low partial pressures of the oxidants to be introduced to the TRISO particles, specifically the silicon carbide (SiC) layer. The SiC layer acts as both the primary structural component of the TRISO particle and barrier to fission product release. Exposure of this layer to an oxidizing atmosphere could either cause SiC recession or the formation of a potentially passivating oxide layer depending on oxidant partial pressures and temperature. Degradation of the SiC can lead to the release of fission products present in oxidized layers into the compact. The investigation proposed will explore the impact of irradiation on the oxide layer formed during oxidant exposure. The data provided will inform on any variations in the surface chemistry and microstructure in the SiO2 layer formed from different oxidant exposures and how irradiation impacts the evolved microstructure. |
| Award Announced Date | 2022-06-14T07:21:19.407 |
| Awarded Institution | Idaho National Laboratory |
| Facility | Advanced Test Reactor |
| Facility Tech Lead | Alina Zackrone, Kory Linton |
| Irradiation Facility | None |
| PI | Katherine Montoya |
| PI Email | [email protected] |
| Project Type | RTE |
| RTE Number | 4404 |