A novel plasma-facing NdB₆ particulate reinforced W1Ni matrix composite: Powder metallurgical fabrication, microstructural and mechanical characterization

Tungsten (W) is one of best candidate metal for plasma-facing materials (PFM), especially due to its high melting temperature and neutron absorption capability. However, converting W into bulk PFM is hard because of its high melting point. This problem can be solved by adding metallic sintering aids with low melting points. In this study, W matrix with 1 wt% Ni aid was reinforced by adding NdB₆ particles (1, 5, and 10 wt%). It can be introduced as a novel potential PFM, thanks to its low volatility and high neutron absorbability. The ceramic and composite powders produced via mechanochemical synthesis and mechanical alloying were examined in terms of composition, particle size, crystallite size, and lattice strain. Samples sintered via pressureless sintering (PS) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) were microstructurally analyzed by using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), a scanning electron microscope (SEM) attached with an energy dispersive spectroscope (EDS), and mechanically analyzed in terms of microhardness and wear behavior. Based on the results, W₂B and WB phases emerged in the SPS'ed W1Ni-5NdB₆ and PS'ed./SPS'ed W1Ni-10NdB₆ composites. SPS'ed W1Ni-10NdB₆ composite had the highest hardness value and the lowest specific wear rate. The SPS'ed W1Ni-5NdB₆ composite showed fewer surface damages and higher irradiation resistance as compared with other samples after exposure of He⁺ irradiation.