Fabrication of Inconel 718-CNT Composites for Structural Nuclear Applications

Advanced nuclear reactors are appealing candidates for fission surface power (FSP) applications due to their increased thermal and fuel efficiency. The higher temperature and radiation doses inside these reactors necessitate novel and more resilient materials to reliably withstand these environments. One promising method to improve these material properties has been the inclusion of nanomaterials during powder manufacturing processes. Here, we demonstrate a method to fabricate bulk Inconel 718-carbon nanotube (CNT) composites through a multistep decluttering, dispersion, and mechanical alloying process. Final samples were consolidated using direct current sintering (DCS), and the pre/post sintered material morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). CNTs were observed on the surface of prepared powders as well as along the interfaces between particles in the fully sintered samples. Work is ongoing to characterize the mechanical and radiation resistance properties.