BARC/PUB/2016/0028

 
 

Application of X-ray micro-CT for micro-structural characterization of APCVD deposited SiC coatings on graphite conduit

 
     
 
Author(s)

Agrawal, A. K.; Sarkar, P. S.; Singh, B.; Kashyap, Y. S.; Rao, P. T.; Sinha, A.
(N&XPD;PMD)

Source

Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 2016. Vol. 108: pp. 133-142

ABSTRACT

SiC coatings are commonly used as oxidation protective materials in high-temperature applications. The operational performance of the coating depends on its microstructure and uniformity. This study explores the feasibility of applying table top X-ray micro-CT for the micro-structural characterization of SiC coating. The coating is deposited over the internal surface of pipe structured graphite fuel tube, which is a prototype of potential components of compact high-temperature reactor (CHTR). The coating is deposited using atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition (APCVD) and properties such as       morphology, porosity, thickness variation are evaluated. Micro-structural differences in the coating caused by substrate distance from precursor inlet in a CVD reactor are also studied. The study finds micro-CT a potential tool for characterization of SiC coating during its future course of engineering. We show that depletion of reactant sat larger distances causes development of larger pores in the coating, which affects its morphology, density and thickness.

 
 
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