About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T26: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Ceramics and Glasses for Nuclear Energy Applications
|
| Presentation Title |
Processing, Properties, and Irradiation Response of ε-W2B5 Based Ceramics for Compact Fusion Reactor Shielding |
| Author(s) |
Jason Lonergan, Arunodaya Bhattacharya, Charmayne Lonergan, Alice Appleby, Christopher Ryan |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Jason Lonergan |
| Abstract Scope |
ε-W₂B₅ is a promising multifunctional shielding material for compact fusion reactors, offering high atomic number density for gamma attenuation and intrinsic boron content for neutron absorption. This work presents a controlled synthesis and densification pathway for monolithic ε-W₂B₅ ceramics via carbothermal reduction of WO₃, B₄C, and C at 1610 °C, followed by hot pressing at 1800 °C under 50 MPa, yielding fully dense billets (10–13.5 g cm⁻³) with reproducible phase purity. Structure–property relationships are established by correlating grain morphology and boron site occupancy with mechanical behavior (elastic modulus, flexural strength, hardness, and fracture toughness) and thermal transport (20–2000 °C). W₂B₅/WB composite architectures are also being developed to improve damage tolerance. Ion irradiation studies are ongoing to evaluate radiation-induced defect formation, phase stability, and microstructural evolution, supporting qualification of ε-W₂B₅-based ceramics for advanced fusion reactor shielding. |