High-throughput design of a light and strong refractory eutectic medium entropy alloy with outstanding He-ion irradiation resistance.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 39792677.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1126/sciadv.adq6828 and PMC identifier 11721715.
- Licence recorded as CC BY-NC.
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Abstract
Light, strong, and radiation-tolerant materials are essential for advanced nuclear systems and aerospace applications. However, the comprehensive properties of current radiation-tolerant materials are far from being satisfactory in harsh operating environments. In this study, a high-throughput-designed NbVTaSi refractory eutectic medium entropy alloy realizes the controllable formation of the β-Nb<sub>5</sub>Si<sub>3</sub> phase with a high content and has outstanding comprehensive properties, i.e., lightweight, high yield strengths at room temperature and 850°C, and excellent He-ion irradiation resistance. According to density functional theory calculations and experimental findings, the prefabricated lattice distortion of the Nb<sub>50</sub>V<sub>42</sub>Ta<sub>8</sub> phase leads to great phase stability under severe He-ion irradiation conditions, while the dual characteristics of the semi-coherent interface and hyperstatic lattice structure of the high-content β-Nb<sub>5</sub>Si<sub>3</sub> phase dominate its outstanding He-ion irradiation resistance. This study sheds light on the design strategy for comprehensive properties and development of future radiation-tolerant materials for advanced nuclear systems and aerospace applications.