Properties of Potassium Doped and Tantalum Containing Tungsten after Heavy Ion Irradiation

Tungsten potassium (WK) alloy has been reported as one of the ideal plasma-facing materials (PFMs). Tantalum alloying is a good method to improve mechanical properties tungsten. The effect tantalum contents on irradiation resistance WK not yet reported. In this study, (containing 82 ppm potassium) with 1 wt. % Ta and 3 Ta, specifically WK-1Ta WK-3Ta, were fabricated sparking plasma sintering irradiated 7.5 MeV W2+ ion. relative densities WK-3Ta are 97.2% 96.4%, respectively. average grain sizes 2.08 μm 1.51 μm, Vickers hardness nearly 20% higher than that WK-1Ta, both before after irradiation. Irradiation hardening was confirmed by nano indentation test results. After irradiation, number dislocation loops formed in very similar, loop density only slightly WK-1Ta. This phenomenon consistent analysis Compared results alloys, had alloys for existence may have positive influence hardening.