JOINING AND INTEGRATION ISSUES OF CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITES FOR NUCLEAR APPLICATIONS

Joining of ceramic matrix composites (CMC) for nuclear applications is considered today an issue for future thermo-nuclear fusion reactors and for new generation fission reactors components. In both cases, in addition to extreme thermo-mechanical loads on the joined components, not completely known service conditions and requirements (including high temperatures, neutron irradiation, harsh chemical environment, and low induced activation) are to be taken into account. Considering that the design of the joined components is continuously reviewed, that one suitable widely accepted mechanical test for joined ceramic matrix components is still unavailable and the influence of neutrons on joining materials is mostly unknown, the required R&D is far from being completed. Materials with the highest potential for these applications are fibre reinforced CMC, mainly carbon fibre reinforced/carbon matrix composites (C/C) and silicon carbide fibre reinforced/silicon carbide matrix composites (SiC/SiC). Joining techniques and characterization tests for these joined CMC will be discussed.