"The path towards plasma facing components: A review of state-of-the-art in W-based refractory high-entropy alloys"
Caleb Hatler, Ishtiaque Robin, Hyosim Kim, Nathan Curtis, Bochuan Sun, Eda Aydogan, Saryu Fensin, Adrien Couet, Enrique Martinez, Dan Thoma, Osman El Atwani,
Current Opinion in Solid State and Materials Science
Vol. 34
2025
Link
Developing advanced materials for plasma-facing components (PFCs) in fusion reactors is a crucial aspect for achieving sustained energy production. Tungsten (W) − based refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their superior radiation tolerance and high-temperature strength. This review paper will focus on recent advancements in W-based RHEA research, with particular emphasis on: predictive modelling with machine learning (ML) to expedite the identification of optimal RHEA compositions; additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, highlighting their advantages for rapid prototyping and high-throughput multi-compositional sample production; mechanical properties relevant to PFC applications, including hardness, high-temperature strength, and ductility; and the radiation tolerance of W-based RHEAs under irradiated conditions. Finally, the key challenges and opportunities for future research, particularly the holistic analysis of candidate compositions as well as the role of radiation activation and oxidation are identified. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of W-based RHEAs for fusion applications and their potential to guide the development and validation of advanced refractory high entropy alloys. |
"The path towards plasma facing components: A review of state-of-the-art in W-based refractory high-entropy alloys" Ishtiaque Robin, Hyosim Kim, Nathan Curtis, Bochuan Sun, Eda Aydogan, Saryu Fensin, Adrien Couet, Enrique Martinez, Dan J. Thoma, Osman El Atwani, Caleb Hatler, [2025] Current Opinion in Solid State and Materials Science · DOI: 10.1016/j.cossms.2024.101201 · ISSN: 1359-0286 | |
"Thermal stability and coarsening of eutectic and near-eutectic Ni–Ce alloys" Ishtiaque Karim Robin, Eric A. Lass, Syeda Bushra Haider, [2024] Intermetallics · DOI: 10.1016/j.intermet.2024.108458 | |
"Microstructure and thermal stability of a structurally graded tungsten and reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel joint" Tim Gräning, Ying Yang, Yutai Katoh, Steven J. Zinkle, Ishtiaque K. Robin, [2024] Journal of Materials Research and Technology · DOI: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2024.04.087 | |
"Synchrotron based investigation of anisotropy and microstructure of wire arc additive manufactured Grade 91 steel" David J. Sprouster, Niyanth Sridharan, Lance L. Snead, Steven J. Zinkle, Ishtiaque K. Robin, [2024] Journal of Materials Research and Technology · DOI: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2024.02.230 | |
"Evaluation of Tungsten—Steel Solid-State Bonding: Options and the Role of CALPHAD to Screen Diffusion Bonding Interlayers"
Tim Gräning, Ying Yang, Syeda Bushra Haider, Eric Andrew Lass, Yutai Katoh, Steven John Zinkle, Ishtiaque Karim Robin,
[2023]
Metals
· DOI: 10.3390/met13081438
· ISSN: 2075-4701
Critical aspects of innovative design in engineering disciplines like infrastructure, transportation, and medical applications require the joining of dissimilar materials. This study investigates the literature on solid-state bonding techniques, with a particular focus on diffusion bonding, as an effective method for establishing engineering bonds. Welding and brazing, while widely used, may pose challenges when joining materials with large differences in melting temperature and can lead to mechanical property degradation. In contrast, diffusion bonding offers a lower temperature process that relies on solid-state interactions to develop bond strength. The joining of tungsten and steel, especially for fusion reactors, presents a unique challenge due to the significant disparity in melting temperatures and the propensity to form brittle intermetallics. Here, diffusion characteristics of tungsten–steel interfaces are examined and the influence of bonding parameters on mechanical properties are investigated. Additionally, CALPHAD modeling is employed to explore joining parameters, thermal stability, and diffusion kinetics. The insights from this research can be extended to join numerous dissimilar materials for specific applications such as aerospace, automobile industry, power plants, etc., enabling advanced and robust design with high efficiency. |
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"A novel design of transitional layer structure between reduced activation ferritic martensitic steels and tungsten for plasma facing materials" Lizhen Tan, Ishtiaque Robin, Yutai Katoh, Ying Yang, Tim Gräning, [2023] Journal of Materials Research and Technology · DOI: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2023.04.019 · ISSN: 2238-7854 | |
"Pre-irradiation Characterization of Radiation Resistant Nanocrystalline and Ultrafine-grained Austenitic Steels" Andrew Hoffman, Ishtiaque Robin, Malwina Wilding, Haiming Wen, Ryan Carnahan, [2017] Microscopy and Microanalysis · DOI: 10.1017/s1431927617010716 · ISSN: 1431-9276 | |
Source: ORCID/CrossRef using DOI |
The Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) is the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy's only designated nuclear energy user facility. Through peer-reviewed proposal processes, the NSUF provides researchers access to neutron, ion, and gamma irradiations, post-irradiation examination and beamline capabilities at Idaho National Laboratory and a diverse mix of university, national laboratory and industry partner institutions.
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