Evaluating the consequences of light ion implantation and oxidizing atmosphere on the PbLi chemical compatibility of metal carbide ceramics

In this work, metal-ceramic carbides exposed to eutectic lithium-lead have been tested in the COrrosion Experiment in Static Conditions facility. A first investigation on chemical compatibility with silicon-infiltrated silicon carbide was undertaken in a lithium lead environment at 550°C for 1000 hours with an argon-inert atmosphere, representative of fusion breeding blanket operating conditions. This experiment involved the prior implantation of helium and hydrogen in order to simulate the potential influence of light ions resulting from neutron transmutation on the matrix properties. The findings demonstrated good compatibility for all specimens, confirming the wide applicability of silicon carbide materials to breeder blanket purposes. A second compatibility test was conducted under identical temperature and duration conditions as the previous experiment, but in an argon gas flow with partial O₂ pressure to assess the oxidizing effect. The samples subjected to this treatment included chromium carbide, tungsten carbide, and silicon carbide. Microscopic and spectrometric investigations revealed a degraded layer for Cr 3 C 2 and WC samples, whereas the Si/SiC matrix remained unaltered regarding chemical and structural composition, evidencing its high resistance under these adverse conditions.