Graphite and Carbon Fiber Composite for Fusion

Graphite and carbon fiber composites have been an historic material for plasma facing components for fusion devices. While the use of this material enhances plasma performance, the harsh plasma and nuclear environment gives rise to a range of physical property changes and materials interactions. High-energy plasma ions can react with and remove the carbon atoms to the plasma. Neutron produced by the fusion reaction will cause structural damage drastically alter the thermophysical properties of the material and enhance tritium trapping. As discussed in this article, these factors inherently limit both the lifetime of the plasma facing components and the performance of the devices in which they are applied.