Short communication: ‘Low activation, refractory, high entropy alloys for nuclear applications’

A Kareer,J.C Waite,B Li,A Couet,D.E.J Armstrong,A.J Wilkinson

doi:10.1016/j.jnucmat.2019.151744

A Kareer, J.C Waite + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2019.151744

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Abstract

Two new, low activation high entropy alloys (HEAs) TiVZrTa and TiVCrTa are studied for use as in-core, structural nuclear materials for in-core nuclear applications. Low-activation is a desirable property for nuclear reactors, in an attempt to reduce the amount of high level radioactive waste upon decommissioning, and for consideration in fusion applications. The alloy TiVNbTa is used as a starting composition to develop two new HEAs; TiVZrTa and TiVCrTa. The new alloys exhibit comparable indentation hardness and modulus, to the TiVNbTa alloy in the as-cast state. After heavy ion implantation the new alloys show an increased irradiation resistance.

Highlights

Two new, low activation high entropy alloys (HEAs) TiVZrTa and TiVCrTa are studied for use as in-core, structural nuclear materials for in-core nuclear applications
Low-activation is a desirable property for nuclear reactors, in an attempt to reduce the amount of high level radioactive waste upon decommissioning, and for consideration in fusion applications
The alloy TiVNbTa is used as a starting composition to develop two new HEAs; TiVZrTa and TiVCrTa

Summary

Introduction

Low activation high entropy alloys (HEAs) TiVZrTa and TiVCrTa are studied for use as in-core, structural nuclear materials for in-core nuclear applications. We start with the well characterised BCC alloy, TiVNbTa, as this material consists of a single phase, disordered, BCC microstructure, with exceptionally high strength and significant plastic flow in compression at elevated temperatures [17].

Results

Conclusion