Physics

Fusion

Nuclear fusion

Nuclear transmutation

Nuclear chemistry

Philosophy

Neutron

Composite material

Nuclear physics

Chemistry

Metallurgy

Materials science

Fusion power

Blanket

Alloy

High entropy alloys

Linguistics

Plasma

Microstructure

Radioactive waste

Scripta Materialia

By mixing elements with favourable nuclear activation properties to create high-entropy alloys, it may be possible to create a material that can withstand a nuclear fusion environment while minimising the radioactive waste produced. Such a material could be used in the extreme thermal and irradiation conditions of a fusion blanket. A suite of previously unexplored V–Cr–Mn and V–Cr–Mn–Ti alloys have been fabricated then homogenised and the resultant microstructures and phases were characterised. Results demonstrate that single-phase body centred cubic solid solution microstructures can be formed in highly-concentrated alloys incorporating low-activation elements, which is promising for a fusion alloy development standpoint.

Towards V-based high-entropy alloys for nuclear fusion applications