Zirconium metal matrix-silicon carbide composite nuclear reactor components

摘要

A metallic composite material and nuclear components such as fuel cladding, rod guide thimbles, grids and channels made therefrom. The metallic composite material comprises 90-60 volume percent of a metal matrix of zirconium or a zirconium alloy containing homogeneously incorporated, throughout the matrix, 10-40 volume percent of silicon carbide whiskers.