Single- And Multilayered Interphases In Sic/Sic Composites Exposed To Severe Environmental Conditions: An Overview

Pyrocarbon (PyC), the common interphase for SiC/SiC, is not stable under severe environmental conditions. It could be replaced by boron nitride more resistant to oxidation but poorly compatible with nuclear applications. Other materials, such as ternary carbides seem promising but their use in SiC/SiC has not been demonstrated. The most efficient way to improve the behavior of PyC interphase in severe environments is to replace part of PyC by a material displaying a better compatibility, such as SiC itself. Issues related to the design and behavior of layered interphases are reviewed with a view to demonstrate their interest in high-temperature nuclear reactors.