PNNL

Abstract

Refractory compositionally complex alloys (RCCA) are candidate material systems for next generation advanced nuclear reactors. This work showcases one of the first successful bulk fabrication of low activation W-Ti based RCCA using arc melting (AM) and provides insights on using additive manufacturing for these compositions using directed energy deposition (DED). Synthesized specimens show high levels of densification with little pores throughout the sample. Unique microstructures are observed and compared from the two synthesis techniques, leading to differences in their radiation behavior. Nonetheless, both AM and DED specimens demonstrate high thermal stability up to 900 °C, as well as promising radiation resistance, with the presence of homogeneously distributed He cavities maintaining small diameters at =10 dpa under simultaneous light (He+) and heavy (Kr2+) ion irradiation at 900 °C.