SEM and TEM data of nuclear graphite and glassy carbon microstructures

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nuclear Engineering
• Chemistry

Background:

• Nuclear graphite is crucial for reactor components.
• Understanding its microstructure is key to predicting performance and lifespan.
• Existing literature lacks comprehensive microstructural data for various graphite grades.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a detailed image library of nuclear graphite microstructures.
• To differentiate between various nuclear graphite grades.
• To identify key microstructural features, including quinoline insoluble particles.

Main Methods:

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for macrostructural analysis.
• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for detailed phase elucidation.
• Comparative analysis of historical and modern nuclear graphite grades.

Main Results:

• SEM revealed distinct differences in filler particles, binder, and thermal cracks across graphite grades.
• TEM identified quinoline insoluble (QI) particles within the binder phase.
• Micrographs established a baseline for as-received nuclear graphite, aiding in grade differentiation.

Conclusions:

• The generated micrograph library serves as a critical baseline for nuclear graphite characterization.
• QI particles are significant for forensic analysis of neutron irradiation effects.
• This work enhances the understanding of nuclear graphite's pre-irradiation state.