CHARACTERIZATION OF LARGE CERAMIC BILLETS FOR CORE SUPPORT AND THERMAL INSULATION IN THE HTGR

摘要

Full-size HTGR core-support pads of commercially available A1203, Si3N4, and fused SiO2 were evaluated with respect to properties important for structural integrity. Work included microstructure, density and chemical characterizations and strength and creep tests on specimens removed from the pads. The materials consisted of two hot-pressed and two pressed and sintered A1203 products, a hot-pressed Si3N4, and three slip-cast and sinter fused SiO2 full-size pads. A fused-cast A1203* in brick form was also characterized.