Work

Spark plasma sintering of tungsten alloyed with tantalum

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Tungsten is a typical refractory metal and is a promising plasma-facing material for the future fusion reactors. The problem with tungsten is its high brittle-ductile transformation temperature, which limits the range of industrial applications of tungsten. This problem could be tailored by enhancing the extrinsic and intrinsic plasticity of tungsten via processing and alloying, respectively. This study aimed to explore both aspects and investigate how tantalum addition, powder handling, and Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) conditions affect densification, microstructure, and flexural strength in large 50 mm W–6Ta compacts. The storage and handling of the powders in the air revealed problems with tantalum oxide formation during the sintering that affected the mechanical properties despite the formed tantalum-tungsten solid solution during sintering and the limited grain size refinement.

Source: Discover Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.1007/s42452-026-08396-5

Authors: Mirva Eriksson, Yuan Zhong, Kailun Li, Jinhan Chen, Wei Liu

Institutions: Stockholm University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Tsinghua University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced materials and composites

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Stockholms Universitet

OpenAlex ID: W7128491111

FWCI: 2.01

Cites: 25

Cited by: 1

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