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

Marchhart, Trevor; Hargrove, Chase; Marin, Alexandru; Schamis, Hanna; Saefan, Ashrakat; Lang, Eric; Wang, Xing; Allain, Jean Paul

doi:10.1038/s41598-024-64614-3

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

Journal Article · 14 June 2024 · Scientific Reports

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-64614-3 · OSTI ID:2373209

Marchhart, Trevor; Hargrove, Chase; Marin, Alexandru; Schamis, Hanna; Saefan, Ashrakat; Lang, Eric;

; Allain, Jean Paul

Abstract Despite of excellent thermal properties and high sputtering resistance, pure tungsten cannot fully satisfy the requirements for plasma facing materials in future high-duty cycle nuclear fusion reactions due to the coupled extreme environments, including the high thermal loads, plasma exposure, and radiation damage. Here, we demonstrated that tungsten-based composite materials fabricated using spark-plasma sintering (SPS) present promising solutions to these challenges. Through the examination of two model systems, i.e., tungsten-zirconium composite for producing porous tungsten near the surface and dispersoid-strengthened tungsten, we discussed both the strengths and limitations of the SPS-fabricated materials. Our findings point towards the need for future studies aimed at optimizing the SPS process to achieve desired microstructures and effective control of oxygen impurities in the tungsten-based composite materials.

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Research Organization:: General Atomics, San Diego, CA (United States); Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA (United States); University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE; USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Scientific User Facilities (SUF); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Fusion Energy Sciences (FES)

Grant/Contract Number:: FC02-04ER54698; SC0014267; SC0021005

OSTI ID:: 2373209

Journal Information:: Scientific Reports, Journal Name: Scientific Reports Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 14; ISSN 2045-2322

Publisher:: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United Kingdom

Language:: English

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