Assessing Silicon Carbide Ceramics and Composites for Energy-Related Applications

Silicon carbide ceramics are really appreciated in energy applications, especially when extreme environments are involved. Their reliability and thermomechanical performances beyond 1000°C are higher than that of superalloys, therefore they may significantly contribute to the reduction of Critical Raw Materials use, which is a crucial point for sustainability issues. The examples discussed in the present paper are taken from European projects, in the field of nuclear energy (IV gen fission nuclear reactors) and renewable energy production (Concentrated Solar Power) and demonstrate a common approach based on optimizing and assessing the ceramic materials, considering current international standards, but also prenormative research and accelerated ageing tests in expected working environments. In this way, together with a simultaneous process implementation for the production of components in the size and geometry required for the applications, high target TRL (5-7) can be demonstrated, creating the competencies, the methods and the results needed for subsequent industrialisation. © 2018 IEEE.