Efforts on large scale production of NITE-SiC/SiC composites

To indicate the feasibility of utilizing newly developed NITE-SiC/SiC composite materials in a fusion reactor, R&D on the NITE process with near-net shape forming has been carried out. In order to establish the large scale production of NITE-SiC/SiC, pilot grade NITE-SiC/SiC was fabricated and the baseline properties were evaluated. As the key elements, nano-powder fabrication and Tyranno-SA, SAK fabrication are extensively being developed. NITE-SiC/SiC composites of a cylindrical shape were also fabricated by a near-net shape process called pseudo-HIP, which was a new type HIP using a carbon powder as the pressure transmitter. The microstructure of NITE-SiC/SiC composites, such as fiber volume fraction, porosity and type of pores, can be controlled precisely. This makes it possible to produce test blanket modules (TBMs) or other components with proper thermal conductivity in response to the requirements of fusion reactor design.