Overview
Tungsten has extensive usage in strategic applications. However, it’s application is limited to a great extent due to lower toughness and this can be improved by incorporating new ductile phases and fibres into the tungsten matrix. Tungsten fibre reinforced tungsten (Wf-W) composite is developed at ARCI to overcome brittleness issues in tungsten. This work involves spark plasma sintering of Wf-W composites using bare and oxide-coated tungsten mesh of 100 µm diameter stacked as alternate layers between the tungsten powders. An optimum volume fraction of Wf is envisaged to yield at least double the fracture toughness of pure tungsten, alongside high thermal conductivity and good high temperature mechanical properties such as UTS, YS, fracture strength and elongation. Detailed microstructural and mechanical property investigations were carried out to validate the concept of extrinsic toughening in such composites.
Key Features
Fabricated with Wf weight fraction up to 10%
Density: ≥ 18 g/cc obtained with grain size: ≤ 20 µm
Hardness: > 400 HVN and thermal conductivity ≥ 150 w/MK achieved
Process can be scaled up for commercial applications
Alternate PM based route for fabricating Wf-W composites
Potential Applications
Plasma facing components
High temperature applications
Status
- Basic concepts and understanding of underlying scientific principles
- Short listing possible applications
- Research to prove technical feasibility for targeted application
Intellectual Property Development Index (IPDI)
Level
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Description
Basic concepts and understanding of underlying scientific principles
Shortlisting possible applications
Research to prove technical feasibility for targeted application
Coupon level testing in simulated conditions
Check repeatability/consistency
Prototype testing in real-life conditions
Check repeatability/consistency
Reassessing feasibility (IP, competition technology, commercial)
Initiate technology transfer
Support in stabilizing production
Status
| Level | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Basic concepts and understanding of underlying scientific principles | Shortlisting possible applications | Research to prove technical feasibility for targeted application | Coupon level testing in simulated conditions | Check repeatability/consistency | Prototype testing in real-life conditions | Check repeatability/consistency | Reassessing feasibility (IP, competition technology, commercial) | Initiate technology transfer | Support in stabilizing production |
| Status |
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