Microstructure and mechanical properties of low-activation glass-ceramic joining and coating for SiC/SiC composites

Calcia-alumina (CA) glass-ceramic was studied as a candidate low-activation joining and sealing material for SiC/SiC components for fusion blanket and diverter structures, in terms of microstructural stability and mechanical properties. The CA glass-ceramic joining and seal coating were applied to the Hi-Nicalon™ SiC fiber-reinforced SiC matrix composites in which the matrix had been formed through chemical vapor infiltration and polymer impregnation and pyrolysis methods. Microstructural characterization was carried out for the joined and coated materials by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical property of the joint was evaluated through a shear test on sandwich joints. The average shear strength of the joined structures was 28 MPa at room temperature. Fractography revealed that the fracture occurred in the glass phase and the shear strength may be improved by reduction of the glass fraction.