SiC/SiC Composites

What is SiC/SiC Composites

The SiC/SiC composite “Cera-NITETM” is an SiC/SiC composite with high hardness and high fracture resistance, realized by connecting the SiC fiber “Cef-NITETM” and the SiC nanopowder “Fi-NITETM” at the nano-level boundary, based on the NITE※ method as an SiC/SiC composite production method.

※ The NITE method, an abbreviation of “Nano-powder Infiltration and Transient Eutectic Process”, is a production method for SiC/SiC composites with high durability and high heat resistance, developed by Professor KOYAMA, at that time at Kyoto University. IEST has obtained from JST the exclusive rights for the patent regarding the NITE method.

SiC/SiC Composites

(Photos: Provided by IEST)

< Cera-NITETM specifications >
Reinforcing material SiC fibers:“Cef-NITETM”
Fiber volume fraction Approximately 45 % (flexible control is possible according to the design)
Fiber interface Pyrolytic carbon
Reinforcement fiber architecture Unidirectional (UD), cross ply (± 90℃), plain weave, satin weave, etc.
Matrix raw material (β-SiC) SiC nanopowder
Shape Plates, tubes, blocks, etc. (external dimensions up to 500 mm)
Main applications
  • For consumer use (cylinders, heat exchangers, engine parts, chemical plants, etc.),
  • for existing energy systems (fuel rod aggregates for nuclear power generation etc.),
  • for next-generation nuclear reactors (fuel rods, intermediate heat exchangers, etc.),
  • and for fusion reactors (blankets etc.)