Nanostructured Tungsten for Improved Plasma Facing Component Performance

70508 To reduce the cost of burning plasma experiments, conducted for fusion energy research, refractory metals are required as plasma facing components to increase high heat flux limitations. For refractory metals such as tungsten (W) to be used in these applications, improvements to both mechanical and physical properties are needed. Because recent work identified the benefits of ¿nano¿ size phases in the structure of tungsten components, this project will develop nanostructured metals with significant increases in strength and ductility. The reduced grain size also provides a significant increase in fatigue and crack resistance, which reduces failure rates and lowers life-cycle cost. In Phase I, innovative fabrication techniques will be developed for producing nanostructured tungsten materials. Pure nanometer W powders and composite powders comprised of W (~100 nm to 13 mm particle sizes) and nanometer metal carbide particles (TiC or HfC) will be evaluated. In addition, correlations between material structure and the resulting properties will be determined. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Potential commercial applications include, but are not limited to: ballistic and tactical missiles, gun barrel liners, arc-jet thrusters, heat exchangers, welding electrodes, plasma facing components for nuclear reactors, integral oxidation protection for burners, gas turbines, automobile engines, incinerators, thermal control coatings, oxidation protective coatings, coatings for composite parts and structures, thermal barrier coatings, structural jackets on tubular combustors and nozzles, and storage vessels.