Materials Genomics Search for Possible Helium-Absorbing Nano-Phases in Fusion Structural Materials.

ABSTRACT: Civilian fusion demands structural materials that can withstand the harsh environments imposed inside fusion plasma reactors. The structural materials often transmute under 14.1 MeV fast neutrons, producing helium (He), which embrittles the grain boundary (GB) network. Here, it is shown that neutron-friendly and mechanically strong nano-phases with atomic-scale free volume can have low He-embedding energy Eemb${\mathcal{E}}_{\mathrm{emb}}$ and >10 at.% He-absorbing capacity, and can be especially advantageous for soaking up He on top of resisting radiation damage and creep, provided they have thermodynamic compatibility with the matrix phase, satisfactory equilibrium wetting angle, as well as a high enough melting point. The preliminary experimental demonstration proves that Eemb${\mathcal

SUBMITTER: Xu H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9661827 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature