Exploring CuCrFeVTi system to produce high entropy alloys for high heat flux applications. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodriguez-Lopez, A.; Savoini, B.; Monge, M.A; Muñoz, A.; Pérez, P.
• Is Part Of: Nuclear materials and energy. Volume 29(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: High entropy alloy -- Copper alloys -- Arc-melting -- Nanoindentation; Nuclear energy -- Periodicals; Nuclear fuels -- Periodicals; Nuclear reactors -- Materials -- Periodicals; Radioactive substances -- Periodicals; 621.4833
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nme.2021.101065
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-1791

Abstract

Highlights: Cu-high entropy alloys for fusion applications have been produced by arc-melting. The materials present a dendritic microstructure, with Cu and Ti segregation. A distribution of Cu nanoparticles is formed inside the dendrites. Massive nanoindentation, statistical analysis and BSE images have been combined. The H and E of each phase and their effect into the microhardness were determined. Abstract: Cu5 Cr35 Fe35 V20 Ti5, Cu10 Cr35 Fe35 V10 Ti10, Cu15 Cr35 Fe35 V5 Ti10 and Cu20 Cr30 Fe30 V10 Ti10 were produced by low-pressure arc-melting to evaluate the feasibility of developing reduced activation high entropy alloys containing copper. The materials present a dendritic microstructure and some Cu and Ti segregation in the as-cast condition, being the Cu5 Cr35 Fe35 V20 Ti5 the most homogenous alloy. Copper particles, with a mean size of about 10 nm, are found distributed inside the dendrites. The volume fraction of the copper particles is ~ 7 times higher in the alloy with 5 at.% Cu content that in the alloy with 20 at.%, with values ranging from 22 ± 5 to 3 ± 2 particles/μm 2 . Combination of massive Berkovich nanoindentation, statistical analysis and analytical scanning electron microscopy, has been successful for determining the hardness and elastic modulus values of each phase and quantifying their contribution to microhardness values obtained by standard Vickers microindentation.