Nuclear Graphite PCEA
Grade
ASTM D7219
PCEA = extruded medium-grain petroleum-coke nuclear graphite
Use where large extruded sections and cost matter and mild property anisotropy (with-grain vs against-grain) is acceptable; strength is lower than isostatic grades.
Values for the PCEA condition
Other Nuclear Graphite tempers and conditions
Nuclear Graphite is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at Nuclear Graphite.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PCEAThis page Extruded medium-grain petroleum-coke nuclear graphite | Use where large extruded sections and cost matter and mild property anisotropy (with-grain vs against-grain) is acceptable; strength is lower than isostatic grades. | — | 17 | — | — | 140 W/m·K |
Vibration-molded medium-grain pitch-coke near-isotropic nuclear graphite | Choose for large pebble-bed reflector blocks where big billet sizes, high thermal conductivity and low irradiation-induced dimensional change dominate over fine grain size. | — | 22 | — | — | 150 W/m·K |
IG-110Default Isostatically molded superfine-grain isotropic nuclear graphite | Default choice for HTGR/HTR-PM fuel blocks, reflectors and molten-salt reactor components where fine grain (~20 µm), high isotropy and proven irradiation database matter. | — | 25 | — | — | 120 W/m·K |
High-density isostatic fine-grain nuclear graphite | Pick when higher strength and density than IG-110 are needed for control-rod sleeves, high-stress reflector parts or MSR components. | — | 37 | — | — | 140 W/m·K |
What is Nuclear Graphite PCEA?
Nuclear Graphite PCEA is Nuclear Graphite in the PCEA grade — use where large extruded sections and cost matter and mild property anisotropy (with-grain vs against-grain) is acceptable; strength is lower than isostatic grades. Nuclear Graphite PCEA has a tensile strength of 17 MPa (2.47 ksi), weaker than 88% of ceramic grades. The elastic modulus is 10.5 GPa (1.52 Msi). Nuclear Graphite PCEA has a density of 1.82 g/cm³ (0.0658 lb/in³), lighter than 88% of ceramic grades. It melts at 3,650°C (6,602 °F). IG-110 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; PCEA is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High service temperature — 2,500°C (4,532 °F), better than 98% of ceramic grades
- Easy to machine — 92/100, better than 97% of ceramic grades
- Conducts heat well — 140 W/m·K (80.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 92% of ceramic grades
- Lightweight — 1.82 g/cm³ (0.0658 lb/in³), better than 88% of ceramic grades
Limitations
- Low fracture toughness — 0.9 MPa·√m (0.819 ksi·√in), worse than 96% of ceramic grades
- Hard to polish — 35/100, worse than 93% of ceramic grades
- Low stiffness — 10.5 GPa (1.52 Msi), worse than 92% of ceramic grades
Nuclear Graphite PCEA properties
Typical room-temperature values for Nuclear Graphite PCEA; 12 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are Nuclear Graphite reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among ceramic grades.
Physical3
Nuclear Graphite PCEA has a density of 1.82 g/cm³ (0.0658 lb/in³), lighter than 88% of ceramic grades. It melts at 3,650°C (6,602 °F).
Mechanical10
Nuclear Graphite PCEA has a tensile strength of 17 MPa (2.47 ksi), weaker than 88% of ceramic grades. The elastic modulus is 10.5 GPa (1.52 Msi).
Thermal5
Nuclear Graphite PCEA is rated for continuous service to 2,500°C (4,532 °F). It conducts heat at 140 W/m·K (80.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 92% of ceramic grades. Thermal expansion is 4 µm/m·K (2.22 µin/in·°F).
Electrical2
Nuclear Graphite PCEA has an electrical resistivity of 9×10⁻⁶ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is very good (75/100), better than 50% of ceramic grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of Nuclear Graphite PCEA takes about 180 MJ of energy and emits 14 kg of CO₂ — more than 60% of ceramic grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability3
Nuclear Graphite PCEA's machinability is excellent (92/100, better than 97% of ceramic grades).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with Nuclear Graphite PCEA
Is Nuclear Graphite easy to machine?
Machines dry very easily with carbide or PCD tooling at high speed, but the dust is abrasive, electrically conductive and must be vacuum-extracted; avoid cutting fluids that contaminate the pores.
Can Nuclear Graphite be welded?
Not weldable — parts are joined mechanically (threaded keys, dowels, graphite bolts) or with carbonaceous cements that are carbonized/graphitized after assembly.
Can Nuclear Graphite be formed, bent or molded?
Formed only at the green stage by isostatic pressing, vibration molding or extrusion of coke/pitch mix, then baked, pitch-impregnated, graphitized >2800 °C and halogen-purified; finished blocks are shaped only by machining.
What surface finishes work on Nuclear Graphite?
Surfaces are typically machined and cleaned by baking/vacuum outgassing; optional SiC or pyrolytic-carbon CVD coatings or phosphate-based antioxidants improve oxidation resistance above 500 °C.
Nuclear Graphite chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| ashtotal ash, typically <20–300 ppm depending on grade | ≤ 0.03 | 0 |
| Bboron equivalent typically ≤2 ppm per ASTM D7219 | ≤ 2×10⁻⁴ | 5×10⁻⁵ |
| Vresidual from petroleum coke | ≤ 5×10⁻⁴ | 1×10⁻⁴ |
| Fe | ≤ 0 | 2×10⁻⁴ |
| S | ≤ 0.01 | 0 |
| Cafter halogen purification | ≥ 99.95 (balance) | — |
Nuclear Graphite PCEA — frequently asked
What is Nuclear Graphite PCEA used for?
Nuclear Graphite PCEA is typically used for reactor moderator blocks, reflector components, fuel element sleeves and HTGR structural parts. In short: nuclear-qualified isotropic graphite; low boron, high purity; brittle, low tensile strength.
What is the tensile strength of Nuclear Graphite PCEA?
Nuclear Graphite PCEA has a typical tensile strength of 17 MPa (2.47 ksi) — weaker than 88% of ceramic grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is Nuclear Graphite PCEA easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (92/100, better than 97% of ceramic grades). Machines dry very easily with carbide or PCD tooling at high speed, but the dust is abrasive, electrically conductive and must be vacuum-extracted; avoid cutting fluids that contaminate the pores.
Can Nuclear Graphite PCEA be welded?
Not weldable — parts are joined mechanically (threaded keys, dowels, graphite bolts) or with carbonaceous cements that are carbonized/graphitized after assembly.
What surface finishes work on Nuclear Graphite PCEA?
Surfaces are typically machined and cleaned by baking/vacuum outgassing; optional SiC or pyrolytic-carbon CVD coatings or phosphate-based antioxidants improve oxidation resistance above 500 °C.
Can Nuclear Graphite PCEA be formed, bent or molded?
Formed only at the green stage by isostatic pressing, vibration molding or extrusion of coke/pitch mix, then baked, pitch-impregnated, graphitized >2800 °C and halogen-purified; finished blocks are shaped only by machining.
What is the maximum service temperature of Nuclear Graphite PCEA?
Nuclear Graphite PCEA is rated for continuous use to about 2,500°C (4,532 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- ASTM D7219 — Standard Specification for Isotropic and Near-isotropic Nuclear Graphites — ASTM International (2019)
- ASTM D7301 — Standard Specification for Nuclear Graphite Suitable for Components Subjected to Low Neutron Irradiation Dose — ASTM International (2018)
- Isotropic Graphite IG-110 / IG-430 technical data — Toyo Tanso (2020)
- NBG-18 nuclear graphite grade data — SGL Carbon (2019)
- Graphite Design Handbook / NGNP Graphite Testing and Qualification (INL/EXT reports) — Idaho National Laboratory (2011)
- IAEA-TECDOC-1154: Irradiation Damage in Graphite due to Fast Neutrons in Fission and Fusion Systems — IAEA (2000)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.