Tungsten (W) is valued for its exceptional properties, which include a low thermal expansion coefficient, high density, high melting point, excellent thermal and electrical conductivities, as well as resistance to heat and corrosion and stable chemical behavior. These characteristics render tungsten indispensable in critical sectors such as nuclear reactor substrates, aerospace, automotive, and electronics. Alloying tungsten with other elements enables the modification of properties, such as the thermal expansion coefficient, to improve nuclear reactor performance. Nevertheless, the significant melting point disparity between tungsten and iron complicates conventional alloying processes and the fabrication of intricate components. In this context, additive manufacturing, specifically 3D printing, presents a promising alternative for the production of W-Fe alloys. The present study evaluates the feasibility of fabricating W-Fe alloy blocks via 3D printing using thoroughly mixed iron and tungsten powders. The effects of laser 3D printing parameters on the metallurgical behavior and microstructure of W-Fe alloys were examined, leading to the successful production of a W-Fe alloy matrix intended for dispersion nuclear fuel. Both metallographic and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were employed to characterize the alloy’s metallurgical behavior and microstructural morphology. This investigation lays the groundwork for the additive manufacturing of W-Fe alloy matrices for nuclear fuel applications.

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Research on the 3D Printing of W-Fe Alloy Matrix for Dispersion Nuclear Fuel

  • Shan Feng,
  • Ruifeng Liu,
  • Mingyang Li,
  • Wei Liu,
  • Xiaoping Niu,
  • Hexi Baoyin

摘要

Tungsten (W) is valued for its exceptional properties, which include a low thermal expansion coefficient, high density, high melting point, excellent thermal and electrical conductivities, as well as resistance to heat and corrosion and stable chemical behavior. These characteristics render tungsten indispensable in critical sectors such as nuclear reactor substrates, aerospace, automotive, and electronics. Alloying tungsten with other elements enables the modification of properties, such as the thermal expansion coefficient, to improve nuclear reactor performance. Nevertheless, the significant melting point disparity between tungsten and iron complicates conventional alloying processes and the fabrication of intricate components. In this context, additive manufacturing, specifically 3D printing, presents a promising alternative for the production of W-Fe alloys. The present study evaluates the feasibility of fabricating W-Fe alloy blocks via 3D printing using thoroughly mixed iron and tungsten powders. The effects of laser 3D printing parameters on the metallurgical behavior and microstructure of W-Fe alloys were examined, leading to the successful production of a W-Fe alloy matrix intended for dispersion nuclear fuel. Both metallographic and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were employed to characterize the alloy’s metallurgical behavior and microstructural morphology. This investigation lays the groundwork for the additive manufacturing of W-Fe alloy matrices for nuclear fuel applications.