Effects of C/C composites on the irradiation of activation foil

Background: C/C composites coated with SiC were introduced for the irradiation measurement at high temperature in Thorium Molten Salt Reactor-Solid Fuel (TMSR-SF) due to their excellent performance as an irradiation carrier of activation foil. Purpose: This study aims at the effects of C/C composites to activation foils. Methods: Based on the characteristics and service environment of C/C composites, component test and thermos analysis were carried out by element gravimetric density (GD) and calorimeter respectively to verify whether they would have influence on the irradiation results. Neutron irradiation experiment for activation foils with/without C/C composites was performed in a horizontal radial hole of uranium zirconium hydride reactor. And the activation rates of mononuclear were calculated respectively. Results: Experimental results show that SiC coating is essential for C/C composites to enhance oxidation resistance. The activation rate of mononuclear with C/C composites was reduced slightly. When the thickness of C/C was of mm-level, the decrement of activation rate for mononuclear was less than 10%. Conclusion: C/C composites coated with SiC could be used as carrier materials for activation foils at high temperature when the carrier wall is thin. The results of irradiation could be corrected based on the measurement of C/C composites. (authors)