CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS IN NUCLEAR ENGINEERING

Carbon in the form of graphite is an oldest reactor core material. It is graphite that brings the nuclear era into being. Application of carbonaceous materials (CM) in nuclear engineering is introduced. CM is the basic core material of high temperature gas cooled reactor (HTR). Together with ceramic fuel and helium coolant, CM renders HTR superior features of high coolant exit temperature and good inherent safety. Working condition of CM in HTR is harsh, especially under irradiation at high temperature. The demand on CM is put forward. International R D efforts and the achievement obtained are reviewed. The need for further development of CM is mentioned.