Advanced Self-Passivating Alloys for an Application under Extreme Conditions

Self-passivating Metal Alloys with Reduced Thermo-oxidation (SMART) are under development for the primary application as plasma-facing materials first wall in a fusion DEMOnstration power plant (DEMO). SMART must combine suppressed oxidation case of an accident and acceptable plasma performance during regular operation future plant. Modern contain chromium passivating element, yttrium active element tungsten base matrix. An overview research program on is presented all major areas structured R&D explained. Attaining desired conditions vital elements addressing viability entire concept. impressive more than 104-fold suppression oxidation, accompanied 40-fold sublimation oxide, was attained experimentally reproduced event duration 10 days. The sputtering resistance DEMO-relevant pure identical corresponding to nearly 20 days continuous DEMO operation. Fundamental understanding physics processes undergone material gained via fundamental studies comprising dedicated modeling experiments. important role yttrium, stabilizing alloy microstructure improving self-passivating behavior, investigation. Activities toward industrial up-scale have begun, mechanical alloying partner sintering bulk sample dimensions 100 mm × 7 using facility. These achievements open way further expansion technology its potentially other renewable energy sources such concentrated solar stations.