Composites Key For Nuclear Fusion Efforts

The National Composites Centre (NCC) has recently announced a collaborative effort with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to develop fusion-grade Silicon Carbide Ceramic Matrix Composites (SiC/SiCs) to drive nuclear fusion reactor development efforts.

Operating temperatures of nuclear fusion reactors present a real challenge when it comes to reactor design. As mentioned in the announcement, SiC/SiCs exhibit excellent radiation resistance and can withstand operating temperatures of up to 1600°C. SiC/SiCs are thus a very suitable candidate when it comes to fusion reactor design. However, scaling, and associated costs, of SiC/SiCs limit their current applications.

The collaboration has already identified a 'step change' in the manufacturing of SiC/SiCs which could provide a scalable and cost-effective manufacturing route for 'fusion-grade' SiC materials. As can be expected, these innovation efforts could also facilitate the use of SiC/SiCs in other applications,