Discovering tungsten-based composites as plasma facing materials for future high-duty cycle nuclear fusion reactors

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nuclear Engineering
• Plasma Physics

Background:

• Pure tungsten has limitations as plasma-facing material in fusion reactors due to extreme conditions.
• High thermal loads, plasma exposure, and radiation damage challenge material integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate tungsten-based composite materials fabricated by spark-plasma sintering (SPS) as advanced solutions.
• To evaluate the potential of SPS-fabricated tungsten composites for fusion applications.

Main Methods:

• Spark-plasma sintering (SPS) was used to fabricate tungsten-based composite materials.
• Two model systems, tungsten-zirconium composite and dispersoid-strengthened tungsten, were examined.

Main Results:

• SPS-fabricated tungsten composites show promise for addressing challenges in fusion environments.
• Tungsten-zirconium composites can produce porous tungsten, while dispersoid strengthening enhances properties.
• Strengths and limitations of these SPS-fabricated materials were identified.

Conclusions:

• Tungsten-based composites fabricated via SPS are promising for fusion plasma-facing materials.
• Optimization of the SPS process is crucial for achieving desired microstructures.
• Effective control of oxygen impurities in tungsten composites requires further study.