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Composite Zirconium Silicides Through an In Situ Process
Author(s) -
Canel Jérôme,
Zaman Jérôme,
Bettembourg Julie,
Flem Marion,
Poissonnet Sylvie
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
international journal of applied ceramic technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.4
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1744-7402
pISSN - 1546-542X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7402.2006.02063.x
Subject(s) - materials science , zirconium , composite number , fracture toughness , in situ , composite material , metallurgy , physics , meteorology
Zirconium silicides are being investigated for use as neutron reflector materials for the next generation of nuclear power devices. Hot isostatically pressed monolithic Zr 3 Si 2 and reactive sintered Zr X Si Y composite are currently under development. The composite is obtained in situ and contains a ZrSi matrix embedding shell‐like Zr, Zr 2 Si, and ZrSi 2 domains with volume ratios depending on the initial Zr/Si ratio. Despite the lack of information on the mechanical properties of zirconium silicides, the composite structure is assumed to have enhanced fracture toughness; conditions to improve it further are discussed on the basis of microstructural observations of crack deflection.