NSUF 25-5317: In situ TEM study of irradiation resistance of C-SiC/ZrC composites
Methods: This proposal is to use the IVEM - Tandem Facility to conduct an in situ TEM study of the novel polymer-derived C-SiC and C-SiC/10 wt% ZrC ceramic nanocomposites under different ion irradiation doses (e.g., 0, 1, 6, and 13 dpa) and temperatures (e.g., room temperature, 800 °C, and 1100 °C) to understand the irradiation-induced microstructure and defect evolution of the above materials, establish the correlations of ion irradiation resistance with phase compositions and interface boundaries (e.g., grain boundaries and phase boundaries), and assess their irradiation tolerance as nuclear fuel encapsulation materials. Potential impact: C- and SiC-based ceramics are desired nuclear materials due to their current use in the TRISO layers. ZrC is also expected to deliver superior irradiation and accident tolerance. In our work, polymer-derived C-SiC and C-SiC/10 wt% ZrC ceramic nanocomposites are being studied as promising candidates for TRISO fuel particle coatings. This proposed effort will help us establish more quantitative and reliable theoretical models and provide in-depth scientific understanding and performance prediction for these novel systems. Expected period of performance: The performance period is expected to be November 2025 – December 2025. Anticipated scientific outcome: (1) understanding of the phase stability of the individual phases in the polymer-derived C-SiC and C-SiC/10 wt% ZrC ceramic nanocomposites under ion irradiation at different temperatures; (2) in-situ observation of irradiation-induced defects and microstructure evolution; (3) quantification of the evolution of the defect type, size, density, and distribution as a function of irradiation dose (e.g., 0, 1, 6, and 13 dpa) at room and high temperatures (e.g., 800 °C and 1100 °C); (4) synergistic effects of irradiation resistance from the SiC/ZrC nanodomains and different interfacial boundaries (e.g., grain boundaries and phase boundaries); and (5) new theoretical mechanisms/models for fundamental understanding of the irradiation resistance of the C-SiC/ZrC ceramic nanocomposites.
Additional Info
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Awarded Institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham |
| DOI | 10.46936/NSUF/60015364 |
| Embargo End Date | 2027-09-03 |
| Facility Tech Lead | Wei-Ying Chen |
| Irradiation Facilities | Intermediate Voltage Electron Microscopy (IVEM)-Tandem Facility |
| NSUF Call | FY 2025 RTE 2nd Call |
| PI | Kathy Lu |
| PIE Facilities | Intermediate Voltage Electron Microscopy (IVEM)-Tandem Facility |
| Prep Facilities | Intermediate Voltage Electron Microscopy (IVEM)-Tandem Facility |
| Project Member | Prof. Kathy Lu, Professor and Chair - University of Alabama at Birmingham (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2135-6351) |
| Project Type | RTE |