The interaction between silicon carbide (SiC) and steam, especially at elevated temperatures, is a subject of significant interest in materials science and nuclear engineering. Silicon carbide is widely recognized for its exceptional thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical inertness, making it a candidate material for accident-tolerant fuel cladding in nuclear reactors. However, under high-temperature steam environments, SiC undergoes oxidation reactions that influence its performance and safety characteristics. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the reaction between silicon carbide and steam, focusing on whether this reaction is exothermic, the underlying chemical mechanisms, kinetics, thermodynamics, and implications for industrial and nuclear applications. Read More