| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2024 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
2024 Technical Division Student Poster Contest
|
| Presentation Title |
SPU-15: Spark Plasma Sintering of Graphitic Matrix for TRISO Compact Fabrication |
| Author(s) |
Valentyna Pawlowska, Madalena Spencer, Lava K Pilliari, Anil Prasad, Lukas Bichler, Jeffery Battersby, Patrick Morrison, Catherine Thiriet |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Valentyna Pawlowska |
| Abstract Scope |
TRIstructural ISOtropic (TRISO) particles play a pivotal role in fueling various reactors, primarily High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs). Renowned for outperforming conventional UO2 pellets in retaining fission gas and functioning at elevated temperatures, TRISO particles are conventionally coated with resinated graphite powder, pressed into compacts, and subjected to high-temperature heat treatment. This study investigates Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) as a method to streamline TRISO compact fabrication, reducing sintering time and temperature. Utilizing low pressing forces, SPS may allow for a higher packing fraction of TRISO particles compared to conventional pressing and sintering. SPS employs pulsed DC current and uniaxial force to consolidate powder into high-density compacts, and has been used successfully with temperature-sensitive materials like carbon nanotubes. The resinated graphite powder prepared by jet milling, underwent promising SPS trials, with ensuing compacts characterized using microscopy and X-Ray Computed Tomography. Density measurements consistently exceeded 1.72 g·cm -3, aligning with conventional fabrication. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |
| Keywords |
Nuclear Materials, Powder Materials, Solidification |