Characterization of reactor irradiated organic and inorganic hybrid insulation systems for fusion magnets

Abstract

Because of their excellent electrical and mechanical material performance, organic and organic/inorganic hybrid materials are candidate insulation systems for fusion magnets. Wrappable inorganic insulation systems combine the high strength and modulus of a ceramic composite with the simple processing of an organic insulation system. Various types of organic as well as organic/inorganic hybrid material compositions containing a ceramic fiber fabric as well as a ceramic and an epoxy matrix were irradiated at ambient temperature in the TRIGA reactor (Vienna) up to neutron fluences of 1021, 1022 and 5×1022 m−2 (E>0.1 MeV). Tensile, short-beam-shear and double-lap-shear tests were performed at 77 K. The influence of reactor irradiation on the mechanical material performance will be presented for different compositions of these materials.