Specialists of JSC "NIIgrafit" (part of the scientific division of the State Corporation "Rosatom" - JSC "Science and Innovation") were the first in Russia to develop a composite paste from domestic raw materials for 3D printing of silicon carbide ceramics, including bearings and impellers of pumps for advanced nuclear reactors.
Currently, a 3D printer is also being developed directly. Such equipment has no complete analogues in the world, and products made of high-tech ceramics are in demand for the nuclear and aviation industries. The assembly of the pilot sample is scheduled for the end of 2022, the launch of the equipment - in mid-2023. After that, the institute will be able to produce complex ceramic products depending on the needs of customers.
The 3D printer is being developed within the framework of the fourth federal project of the integrated program "Development of Equipment, Technologies and Scientific Research in the Field of Nuclear Energy Use in the Russian Federation" (KP RTTN).
Reference
Silicon carbide-based materials are candidates for use in promising liquid-salt reactors as radial wheels and radial bearings of fuel/cooling salt circulation pumps based on FLiBe and FLiNaK. These materials are used as detailed assembly units of promising gas turbine engines (main combustion chamber burner and/or turbine nozzle blade) in the aviation industry.
The information was provided by the press service of JSC "Science and Innovation". Photo source: ria.ru
