Refractory Alloys with Ductility and Strength (RADS)
Technology Description:
Ames National Laboratory is investigating how tailored tungsten-rich refractory multi-principal-element alloys can address the critical lack of materials that can survive the first-wall environment in fusion power plants. The proposed project will create a new high temperature material using tungsten, vanadium, rhenium, and other elements with high melting points, and establish a manufacturing process to commercially manufacture the materials with assistance from plasma technology.
Market Impact Potential:
The materials discovery underway by Ames Laboratory will inform future improvements for first wall applications in fusion power plants. The developments in casting technology for high temperature materials could also accelerate commercial development of irradiation resistant and high temperature materials for advanced fission and space applications.