On the feasibility to obtain CuCrZr alloys with outstanding thermal and mechanical properties by additive manufacturing

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jnucmat.2024.155304
• Publication Date: 2024-07-28T13:54:47Z
• Authors: F. Canillas; E. Leon-Gutierrez; M. Roldan; R. Hernandez; E. Urionabarrenetxea; E. Cardozo; L. Portoles; J.R. Blasco; N. Ordas
• Keywords: Limiter

The CuCrZr alloy combines high thermal conductivity and mechanical strength with stability at high-medium temperatures, making it a promising heat sink material for the EU-DEMO divertor limiters. Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies have proven effective in developing complex-shaped components almost no constraints on geometry minimal machining welding requirements. This makes them particularly suitable production of exchangers featuring complex cooling channels intricate inner structures. study demonstrates feasibility to obtain dense via Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (EB-PBF) enhanced compared conventional routes. Gas atomization was used produce spherical powders composition close ITER specifications. By optimising EB-PBF process parameters, relative density values 99.7 % were achieved after HIP treatment, that removes eventual residual porosity. results underscore importance meticulous powder manufacturing mitigate oxidation microstructural defects final components. Achieving densities requires focus adopting high-energy absorption rates powders. strategy can be accomplished by reducing scanning speed consequently building rate process. characterization revealed hierarchical microstructure composed grains grain boundaries, solidification-enabled cellular-like subgrains elongated along direction an ultra-fine precipitate state (already present as-built condition) mainly consisting Cr-rich nanoprecipitates, although Zr-rich precipitates also found melt pool boundaries. conductivity, hardness, room temperature temperatures measured correlated parameters obtained treatment. indicate is possible improved behaviour technologies, while maintaining requirements EU-DEMO.