SICF/SIC COMPOSITES FOR STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS IN FUSION POWER REACTORS: THE TAURO BLANKET

The use of a Low-Activation Ceramic-Matrix Composites as structural material for in-vessel components appears essential to achieve high safety standards in future Fusion Power Reactors (FPRs). Previous studies have identified SiCf/SiC composites as the most attractive structural material for fusion applications because of minimal neutron activation combined with excellent mechanical properties at high temperatures. This papers presents the results of the latest design analysis of the TAURO blanket, a self-cooled blanket using Pb-17Li as coolant/breeder and SiCf /SiC composites as structural material. At the same time, further R&D efforts are needed in order to improve the present material properties as well as to better define available joining techniques and design methodology. New materials, that appear very promising for fusion applications, are currently being developed.