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Fabrication and fracture behaviors of the continuous brittle fiber reinforced tungsten composites fabricated via field-assisted sintering technology

Authors :
Shu, Rui
Mao, Yi-Ran
Coenen, Jan W.
Terra, Alexis
Schönen, Stephan
Riesch, Johann
Linsmeier, Christian
Broeckmann, Christoph
Source :
Tungsten; March 2025, Vol. 7 Issue: 1 p172-182, 11p
Publication Year :
2025

Abstract

Tungsten (W) is a promising candidate material for the plasma-facing components in future fusion reactors. However, it has issues regarding the intrinsic brittleness as well as operational embrittlement. Tungsten fiber reinforced tungsten (Wf/W) composites overcome these issues by using extrinsic toughening mechanisms. Due to neutron irradiation and high-temperature recrystallization during fusion operation, the ductility of the fibers may degrade over a long period of service. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the fracture behavior of Wf/W composites with brittle fibers. In the present work, the tungsten fibers were embrittled by carbonization. Subsequently, the continuous brittle Wf/W composite with yttrium oxide (Y2O3) interface was fabricated by the field-assisted sintering technology process. The microstructure of the prepared Wf/W composites was characterized. The fracture behavior and toughening mechanisms were discussed in detail based on the experimental results of 3-point bending tests and the corresponding finite element simulation. The composites show a pseudo-ductile fracture behavior. Cracks are hindered and deflected by the de-bonded fiber-matrix interface. The extrinsic toughening mechanisms of interface de-bonding, crack bridging, and fiber pull-out are active. This indicates the reinforcement concept still works even though all components in the Wf/W are brittle.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
26618028 and 26618036
Volume :
7
Issue :
1
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Tungsten
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
ejs67212576
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s42864-024-00291-z