Irradiation test about oxidation-resistant graphite in WWR-K research reactor

Shibata, Taiju ; Sumita, Junya ; Sakaba, Nariaki ; Osaki, Takashi*; Kato, Hideki*; Izawa, Shoichi*; Muto, Takenori*; Gizatulin, S.*; Shaimerdenov, A.*; Dyussambayev, D.*; Chakrov, P.*

Graphite are used for the in-core components of HTGR, and it is desirable to enhance oxidation resistance to keep much safety margin. SiC coating is the candidate method for this purpose. JAEA and four Japanese graphite companies are studying to develop oxidation-resistant graphite. Neutron irradiation test was carried out by WWR-K reactor of INP of Kazakhstan through ISTC partner project. The total irradiation cycles of WWR-K operation was 10 cycles by 200 days. Irradiation temperature about 1473 K would be attained. The maximum fast neutron fluence (E 0.18 MeV) for the capsule irradiated at a central irradiation hole was preliminary calculated as 1.210/m, and for the capsule at a peripheral irradiation hole as 4.210/m. Dimension and weight of the irradiated specimens were measured, and outer surface of the specimens were observed by optical microscope. For the irradiated oxidation resistant graphite, out-of-pile oxidation test will be carried out at an experimental laboratory.