Characterization and evaluation of CuCrFeV(Ti, Ta, W) system for High Heat Flux applications. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodriguez-Lopez, A.; Savoini, B.; Monge, M.A; Muñoz, A.
• Is Part Of: Nuclear materials and energy. Volume 31(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: High entropy alloy -- Reduced activation alloys -- Arc-melting -- Nanoindentation -- Compression -- Sigma phase; Nuclear energy -- Periodicals; Nuclear fuels -- Periodicals; Nuclear reactors -- Materials -- Periodicals; Radioactive substances -- Periodicals; 621.4833
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nme.2022.101187
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-1791

Abstract

Highlights: Cu5 Cr35 Fe35 V20 Ti5 and Cu5 Cr35 Fe35 V20 W5 in the as-cast state exhibit a single solid BCC phase. Formation of the sigma phase is observed in aged Cu5 Cr35 Fe35 V20 W5. Cu5 Cr35 Fe35 V20 Ta5 and Cu5 Cr35 Fe35 V20 W5 exhibit excellent compressive ductility at RT and 500 °C. Cu5 Cr35 Fe35 V20 Ti5 exhibits high yield strength but limited plastic deformation from RT to 500 °C. Work softening due to dynamic recovery was observed. Abstract: Cu5 Cr35 Fe35 V20 -X5, with X = Ti, Ta or W, alloys were produced by arc melting to assess their feasibility to be used as structural materials and as interlayer in cooling systems. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the materials were analyzed in as-cast and aged states. In the as-cast state the structure of the three alloys is BCC, but formation of the intermetallic Fe7 Ta3 is observed in Cu5 Cr35 Fe35 V20 Ta5 . Thermal aging treatment at 700 °C caused significant changes in the microstructure of Cu5 Cr35 Fe35 V20 W5 and the formation of the sigma phase. Thermal treated Cu5 Cr35 Fe35 V20 Ta5 and Cu5 Cr35 Fe35 V20 W5 exhibit high mechanical strength and excellent compressive ductility but show work softening due to the appearance of dynamic recovery mechanisms. Type-A serration behavior is observed for Cu5 Cr35 Fe35 V20 W5 . Both, the complexity of their microstructures and their differences are responsible for the different mechanical behavior of the three alloys.