High temperature preparation of advanced refractory materials by inductively coupled plasma in controlled atmosphere
Project ID:GA19-14339S
Provider:Czech Science Foundation
Period:Jan 01, 2019 - Dec 31, 2021
Recipient - coordinatorInstitute of Plasma Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague
Principal Investigator:Ing. Tomáš Chráska, Ph.D.
Co-recepient(s) / PI(s):Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University, Prague -- Ing. Ondřej Kovářík Ph.D.
Co-investigators from IPPF. Lukáč, J. Čížek, J. Klečka, J. Matějíček, R. Mušálek, M. Vilémová, . Csáki

Aims of the project: Plasma facing components of nuclear fusion devices have to withstand the effects of hot plasma and neutron radiation, while maintaining their mechanical properties and safety requirements. Advanced tungsten-based refractory components are developed for their potential to meet these often contradictory requirements in the form of alloys, composites, and graded layers. These materials are in the state of early development and are produced purely by laboratory methods. The RF-ICP (inductively coupled plasma) technology is a scalable preparation technique that can overcome the limitations of existing routes. Thanks to deposition in a controlled atmosphere, oxidation is eliminated. Axial powder feeding allows direct and unique possibility to form tungsten alloys and composites, which can be formed into graded layers and components with advanced properties. Comprehensive diagnostics will bring deeper understanding of the deposition process and linkage between process parameters and coating characteristics, and will enable the preparation of tungsten-based materials with desired properties.

Results:

Klečka J., Čížek J., Matějíček J., Lukáč F., Vala J.: Thick functionally-graded W-316L composite coatings for nuclear fusion applications. Nuclear Materials and Energy 34 [March] (2023) č. článku 101373. E. [ Abstract ] [ Link ]

Kovarik O., Čížek J., Klečka J., Karlík M., Čech J., Kozlík J., Lauschmann H.: Tungsten Heavy Alloys from Mixed Feedstock by RF Plasma. Journal of Thermal Spray Technology 32 [8] (2023) 2747-2762. [ Abstract ] [ Link ]

Klečka J., Čížek J., Matějíček J., Lukáč F., Zlatník R., Chráska T.: Tailoring the structure of RF-ICP tungsten coatings. Surface and Coatings Technology 406 [January] (2021) č. článku 126745. [ Abstract ] [ Link ]

Kovařík O., Čížek J., Klečka J., Karlík M., Čapek J., Siegl J., Chráska T., Takayasu S.: Mechanical properties and fatigue crack growth in tungsten deposited by RF-plasma. Surface and Coatings Technology 410 [March] (2021) č. článku 126930. [ Abstract ] [ Link ]

Matějíček J., Klečka J., Čížek J., Veverka J., Vilémová M., Chráska T., Ganesh V.: Tungsten-steel and tungsten-chromium composites prepared by RF plasma spraying. Proceedings 29th International Conference on Metallurgy and Materials. Ostrava: Tanger, 2020, s. 756-763. ISBN 978-80-87294-97-0. [ Abstract ] [ Link ]
[29th International Conference on Metallurgy and Materials. Brno (CZ), 20.05.2020-22.05.2020]

Hulka I., Mušálek R., Lukáč F., Klečka J., Chráska T.: Microstructure and microhardness evaluation for NiCrAlY materials manufactured by spark plasma sintering and plasma spraying. Acta Polytechnica CTU Proceedings. Vol. 27. Prague: Czech Technical University in Prague, 2020, Roč. 27 (2020), s. 13-17. ISBN 978-80-01-06735-2. ISSN 2336-5382. [ Abstract ] [ Link ]
[14th International Conference on Local Mechanical Properties. Praha (CZ), 06.11.2019-08.11.2019]

Čížek J., Klečka J.: Harnessing fusion power: W and w-cr armor coatings for plasma facing components in tokamaks: Radio-frequency inductively coupled plasma spray is a promising method for producing mechanically strong, oxidation resistant coatings as facing on tokamak vessel surfaces. Advanced Materials & Processes 177 [5] (2019) 46-49. [ Abstract ]

Čížek J., Klečka J., Vilémová M., Matějíček J., Veverka J., Mušálek R., Lukáč F., Kondás J., Zlatník R.: Armor W-Cr coatings for plasma-facing components in tokamaks by cold spray and RF-ICP. Proceedings of the International Thermal Spray Conference. 2019, s. 535-540. ISBN 9781510888005. [ Abstract ]
[International Thermal Spray Conference and Exposition: New Waves of Thermal Spray Technology for Sustainable Growth. Yokohama (JP), 26.05.2019-29.05.2019]