About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Developments in Advanced Nuclear Structural Materials
|
| Presentation Title |
K-6: Impregnated Nanoporous Tungsten for Nuclear Applications |
| Author(s) |
Tibra Das Gupta, Thomas John Balk |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Tibra Das Gupta |
| Abstract Scope |
Tungsten is an excellent candidate for plasma-facing component material due to its high melting point, low sputtering yield, and excellent thermal conductivity. However, its susceptibility to irradiation-induced defects limits its performance. Introducing a nanoporous structure with high density of interfaces can resist radiation damage by promoting annihilation and migration of defects. A composite structure, synthesized by backfilling the nanopores (i.e., with aluminum), can further improve thermal conductivity. In this study, bicontinuous nanoporous tungsten is fabricated via vacuum thermal dealloying from magnesium-based thin films (W-Mg) that had been magnetron sputtered. For impregnation, a separate aluminum layer was sputtered onto the nanoporous film and annealed at 700°C for 48 hours. In this way, a bicontinuous composite material was created, where each interpenetrating phase is continuously interconnected throughout. Bulk composite material was also fabricated, as a candidate for nuclear applications where radiation damage mitigation and high thermal conductivity are crucial. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Nuclear Materials, Thin Films and Interfaces, Other |