Research on the development of continuous silicon carbide fiber reinforced silicon carbide ceramic matrix composites in the field of advanced nuclear energy
The development of advanced nuclear energy systems has put forward higher requirements for the service stability of nuclear materials in multi-field coupled extreme environments. Continuous silicon carbide fiber reinforced silicon carbide (SiC_f/SiC) ceramic matrix composites have the advantages of low density, excellent high-temperature mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and radiation resistance. They also exhibit “pseudo-plastic” fracture behavior under external forces and are regarded as new structural materials with great application prospects in advanced nuclear energy systems. This paper first systematically summarizes the basic research system of nuclear SiC_f/SiC composites from three levels: material level, component level, and service performance. It analyzes the development trends of traditional nuclear power countries such as the United States, France, and Japan, other emerging nuclear power countries, and my country in the field of nuclear SiC_f/SiC composites. It sorts out the problems and challenges faced by my country’s nuclear SiC_f/SiC composites in terms of raw materials, data accumulation, and patent standards. It puts forward relevant measures and suggestions in a targeted manner, including strengthening the research and development of material preparation technology, developing a new paradigm of research and development, strengthening the “industry-university-research-application” cooperative relationship, and strengthening international exchanges on the basis of adhering to China’s main focus. It hopes to provide a reference for the research direction and decision-making in the field of nuclear SiC_f/SiC composites in my country.
