Work

Study on the annealing and three-point bending fracture behavior of single W fiber-reinforced W composites with multiple interfaces prepared by CVD

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The inherent brittleness of tungsten severely limits its application as plasma-facing materials (PFM). Tungsten fiber (Wf) reinforced tungsten (W) composites (Wf/W) offer a promising toughening approach for tungsten. However, this toughening method faces significant challenges, such as how to adjust the interface strength to its optimal state and preventing the destruction of the fiber reinforcing body’s structural organization. In this study, various interfaces were prepared using magnetron sputtering technology, followed by the fabrication of single Wf reinforced W Composites via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The fracture behavior of the Wf/W) composite before and after the annealing process was investigated through three-point bending tests. The results indicate that the interfaces including yttrium (Y), yttrium oxide (Y2O3), and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) all exhibit a weak binding strength, leading to interface debonding during the three-point bending test and eventually cause a ductile fracture behavior for the compostie. In contrast, the chromium (Cr) interface displays a high binding strength and lead to a brittle fracture behavior for the composite. After annealing at 1000°C, the binding strength of Y₂O₃ and YSZ interfaces increases, which causes the brittle fracture behavior of the composite. After annealing at 1600°C, the Cr interface diffused into the Wf and caused the recrystallization of the Wf. The Y interface underwent melting and solidification, leading to a decrease of the binding strength. The interface strength ranks as follows: Cr > YSZ >Y2O3 > Y.

Source: Nuclear Materials and Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.nme.2025.101952