A quinary WTaCrVHf nanocrystalline refractory high-entropy alloy withholding extreme irradiation environments

oleh: O. El Atwani, H. T. Vo, M. A. Tunes, C. Lee, A. Alvarado, N. Krienke, J. D. Poplawsky, A. A. Kohnert, J. Gigax, W.-Y. Chen, M. Li, Y. Q. Wang, J. S. Wróbel, D. Nguyen-Manh, J. K. S. Baldwin, O. U. Tukac, E. Aydogan, S. Fensin, E. Martinez

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: Nature Portfolio 2023-05-01

Deskripsi

Abstract In the quest of new materials that can withstand severe irradiation and mechanical extremes for advanced applications (e.g. fission & fusion reactors, space applications, etc.), design, prediction and control of advanced materials beyond current material designs become paramount. Here, through a combined experimental and simulation methodology, we design a nanocrystalline refractory high entropy alloy (RHEA) system. Compositions assessed under extreme environments and in situ electron-microscopy reveal both high thermal stability and radiation resistance. We observe grain refinement under heavy ion irradiation and resistance to dual-beam irradiation and helium implantation in the form of low defect generation and evolution, as well as no detectable grain growth. The experimental and modeling results—showing a good agreement—can be applied to design and rapidly assess other alloys subjected to extreme environmental conditions.