Published October 1, 1990 | Version v1
Journal article

Swelling and microcracking of boron carbide subjected to fast neutron irradiations

  • 1. Laboratoire des Solides Irradies, Ecole Polytechnique, 91128 Palaiseau (France)
  • 2. Laboratoire des Materiaux Absorbants (D. TECH/SECS/LMA), Centre d'Etudes Nucleaires de Saclay, 91191 Gif sur Yvette (France)

Description

The neutron absorbing ceramic boron carbide was irradiated in the Phenix fast breeder reactor between 600 and 1500 degree C. Selected pellets were observed at different magnifications using optical ceramography, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The bulk swelling was measured as a function of the burn-up and compared to a recent model based on microstructural observations. Intergranular microcracking was identified as the main source of troubles in the use of boron carbide at high fluence levels and studied in relation with our recent models

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Journal of Applied Physics
Journal Volume
68
Journal Issue
7
Series
J. Appl. Phys.
Journal Page Range
3198-3206
ISSN
0021-8979
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JAPIA