Mechanical properties of Y2O3-doped W-Ti alloys

W and W alloys are currently considered promising candidates for plasma facing components in future fusion reactors but most of the information on their mechanical properties at elevated temperature was obtained in the 1960s and 1970s. In this investigation, the strength and toughness of novel Y₂O₃-doped W-Ti alloys manufactured by powder metallurgy were measured from 25 °C up to 1000 °C in laboratory air and the corresponding deformation and failure micromechanisms were ascertained from analyses of the fracture surfaces. Although the materials were fairly brittle at ambient temperature, the strength and toughness increased with temperature and Ti content up to 600 °C. Beyond this temperature, oxidation impaired the mechanical properties but the presence of Y₂O₃ enhanced the strength and toughness retention up to 800 °C.