Microstructural characterization of a composite Mo reinforced by 25 at.% TiC

• Published in: Journal of nuclear materials Vol. 385; no. 3; pp. 533 - 537
• Main Authors: Cédat, D., Rey, C., Clavel, M., Schmitt, J.H., Le Flem, M., Allemand, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 15.04.2009; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Controled nuclear fusion plants; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Engineering Sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Fission nuclear power plants; Fuels; Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy; Mechanics; Mechanics of materials; Nuclear fuels; Physics; Scanning electron microscopy; Cermet; Phase diagram; Hot isostatic pressing; X ray; Microstructure; Molybdenum; Formation mechanism; Pressure; Titanium carbide; Reactor core; Nuclear reactor
• ISSN: 0022-3115; 1873-4820
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jnucmat.2008.12.047

In the scope of cermet development for structural pieces of future nuclear reactors (1000–1650 °C), Mo–TiC 25at.% was processed by hot isostatic pressure (HIP) and characterized in term of microstructure and chemical composition. The fabrication resulted in a three-phase material so called core/shell microstructure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses, both coupled with X-ray detection (EDX), allowed to highlight the formation of TiC–Mo 15at.% phase at the TiC/Mo interface, in agreement with the phase diagram. The formation mechanisms of this phase are discussed.