Recrystallization kinetics of 50% hot-rolled 2% Y2O3 dispersed tungsten

Abstract

Tungsten is considered as the most promising material for the divertor of fusion reactors and the plasma-facing first wall due to its excellent properties. With the growing demand for higher and better mechanical properties, the addition of rare earth oxides Y2O3 was selected as a dispersion strengthener to enhance the tungsten. The recrystallization behavior of yttria oxide dispersion strengthened tungsten plate hot-rolled to a medium plastic strain by 50% thickness reduction was investigated by isothermal annealing under the temperature range from 1250 to 1350 °C. Degradation of mechanical properties caused by recovery and recrystallization during annealing were quantified by Vickers hardness measurement. The entire recovery and recrystallization process were described nicely by serval classical models. The introduction of Y2O3 particles into tungsten retards the recrystallization process compared to that of pure tungsten.